China’s Public Diplomacy Goes Political

What is it about?

This article argues that under President Xi Jinping, China’s public diplomacy has become harder in tone, more politicized in content and more controlled by the Chinese government in conduct. Chinese diplomats no longer focus on promoting China's culture, but in stead proudly present Chinese policies such as the Belt and Road Initiative and China’s approach to the Covid-19 pandemic as improvements in global governance or sometimes even as Chinese ‘gifts’ to the world. In addition, they seek to sell China's political system to audiences abroad by highlighting its 'wisdom' and 'advantages' and denouncing other political systems. Chinese leaders state that the world is ready for ‘a further rise in China’s international influence, ability to inspire, and power to shape' and China's wolf warrior diplomats do not shy away from aggressively pushing Chinese messages, using the country's economic and political weight as leverage. However, in 2020 this approach has been backfiring. China’s image has suffered as a result of the country's Covid-19 diplomacy and China’s public diplomacy currently faces a steep uphill battle.

Featured Image