China’s diplomacy and changing the COVID-19 narrative

AuthorRaj Verma
Date01 June 2020
Published date01 June 2020
DOI10.1177/0020702020930054
Subject MatterPolicy Brief
Policy Brief
China’s diplomacy and
changing the COVID-19
narrative
Raj Verma
Head of Research, Intellisia Institute, Guangzhou, Peoples
Republic of China
Abstract
The world has declared COVID-19 (a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus or novel
coronavirus) to be a pandemic. China has been chastised by various countries, espe-
cially the United States, for suppressing information and not taking necessary measures
which could have helped in controlling the spread of and/or eradicating the disease in
the earlier stages. Consequently, China has undertaken numerous measures to change
the COVID-19 narrative and disassociate itself from COVID-19. It launched a campaign
to question the origins of SARS-CoV-2, blamed the United States for spreading
COVID-19, claimed victory in combating COVID-19 domestically, and provided aid
(“mask diplomacy”) to countries. These actions betray China’s concern about its
image. The country wants to portray itself as a Good Samaritan, a responsible and
reliable partner, and an essential global power. Additionally, China has grave concerns
about regime stability and survival. President Xi’s legitimacy is built on technocratic
competence. The outbreak has the potential to seriously dent his personal legacy.
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2 virus, COVID-19, China, United States, diplomacy, propaganda, mask
diplomacy, aid, racism
Corresponding author:
Raj Verma, Huaqiao University, Head of Research, Intellisia Institute, Guangzhou, Peoples Republic of China.
Email: rajneeshverma2000@gmail.com
International Journal
2020, Vol. 75(2) 248–258
!The Author(s) 2020
Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/0020702020930054
journals.sagepub.com/home/ijx

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT