External Propaganda, Public Diplomacy and Transnational Repression

Question 1

What are the 10 most prominent points from “China’s Foreign Propaganda Machine” ?

Answer 1

1. China’s International Image: This concept encompasses how China is perceived globally, including its reputation, influence, and standing in international affairs. It is influenced by factors such as its political system, economic policies, cultural exports, and interactions with other countries.
2. Soft Power: Soft power is a form of non-coercive influence that a country wields through its culture, values, policies, and diplomacy. It is contrasted with hard power, which relies on military or economic coercion. Soft power aims to attract and persuade rather than force compliance.
3. Chinese Communist Party (CCP): The CCP is the political party that has governed China since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. It is a single-party system that holds significant authority over the country’s political, social, and economic policies.
4. Propaganda: Propaganda involves the deliberate spread of information or ideas, often with a particular bias or agenda. In the context of the CCP, propaganda is used to shape public opinion, promote specific narratives, and advance the party’s interests domestically and internationally.
5. Overseas Chinese: Overseas Chinese refers to people of Chinese ethnicity who reside outside of mainland China. This includes Chinese communities in various countries around the world. They may retain cultural ties to China and often contribute to cultural exchanges and economic connections.
6. Confucius Institutes: Confucius Institutes are educational institutions established by the Chinese government to promote Chinese language, culture, and understanding worldwide. They offer language courses, cultural programs, and other activities with the aim of fostering goodwill and interest in China.
7. New Silk Road Initiative: Also known as the Belt and Road Initiative, this is a global development strategy proposed by the Chinese government. It aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation across regions through infrastructure projects, trade agreements, and cultural exchanges.
8. Xi Jinping: Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician who served as the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 2012. He is known for consolidating power in ways not seen since Deng Xiaoping, implementing significant policy changes, and promoting China’s global influence.
9. “Tell a Good Chinese Story”: This is a campaign initiated by the Chinese government to selectively promote aspects of traditional Chinese culture that reflect positively on the country. It seeks to shape global perceptions of China and enhance its image as a culturally rich and historically significant nation.
10. “Rich Country, Strong Military”: This messaging theme underscores China’s aspirations for economic prosperity and a formidable military. It is a key component of China’s efforts to project confidence and assertiveness both domestically and on the international stage.

Question 2

Why does China want to have a positive image abroad ?

Answer 2

1. It is beneficial to the rise of power dilemma.
2. They can benefit from soft power : other states do what you want without coercion.
3. They believe Western media is overly influential and think they should be allowed a voice as well.

Question 3

Why should states nurture a positive image ?

Answer 3

1. Achieve specific policy goals is easy if you are perceived positively ex: Belt and Road
2. Domestic reasons : if a government or state is respected abroad, it acts as a source of domestic legitimacy.
3. Foreign harmful opinions or critics of the government undermine the state’s power, they should therefore be minimized.
4. Democratic diffusion : avoid the influence of potential democratic waves elsewhere.
5. To influence international norm ; if you make them, they will easily concord with your government’s style and aspirations.

Question 4

What do the polls reveal about people’s opinion of China abroad ?

Answer 4

To CHINA
In America and Europe, very unfavourable (except Hungary and Greece).
Asia, generally negative, Indonesia has increased however.
Africa : generally positive.
Latin America : generally positive.

Better in the global south, worst in the western world.

To XI JINPING, would he do the right thing ?
In America and Europe, very unfavourable
Asia, generally negative, Indonesia has increased however.
Africa : generally positive.
Latin America : generally positive.

Very similar from one pole to the other, do people generally think about politics when asked about China ? Regardless, China is better viewed than Xi Jinping.

Question 5

What does the Irish population think of the Chinese government.

Answer 5

84 % distrust the Chinese government.

In comparison, it is less than 40 % for the EU and 60 % for the US.

Question 6

What are the messages that China wants out there ?

Answer 6

1. Xi Jinping is very wise, a genius, more that the past Chinese leader.
2. China is a culturally attractive country, including satisfied ethnic minorities.
3. China is well governed, and its government is legitimate.
4. China is a responsible power (economically, environmentally)

Question 7

What are some messages that China does not want out there ?

Answer 7

1. Criticism of its human rights. It will respond to critics.
2. Taiwan as an independent state. They will do to extreme ends, even targeting a school in Colorado who made an honest mistake.
3. That it is repressing its ethnic minorities.
4. Questioning of its boundaries and borders like the South China Sea, does not want to be told it does not have sovereignty.

They will respond and target these accusations.