Well, I don't think the issue really is whether they can, since of course they can; they're a sovereign nation whose representatives can adopt whichever strategy they'd like. The question rather is *why* they're doing it, since all it seems to be doing is driving away EU and Asian countries who otherwise might be receptive to a more genial Chinese approach by contrast with the erratic and oft-adverserial Trump administration.

Embassies and diplomats who enrage or provoke powers whom you need to convince, not just intimidate, absolutely should be a concern to Beijing, but it seems like they're not, which is what has a lot of us wondering, it seems. Where's the margin in your French embassy broadcasting lies about how France is deliberately killing off its old folks? Even if you're looking to project a more vigorous, unapologetic diplomatic front that does nothing for you since it has absolutely nothing to do with China.