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China’s former Vice FM Madame Fu Ying provides a sophisticated analysis of how China can shape global narratives & improve China’s int'l reputation. But her view has major weaknesses b/c it is rooted in a defense of authoritarian propaganda.
https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202004/21/WS5e9e313ba3105d50a3d178ab.html. (1/10)
https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202004/21/WS5e9e313ba3105d50a3d178ab.html. (1/10)
Her most important insights are that: “Successful discourse needs to be based on abundant facts and effective practices” and that the message needs to be adjusted based on audience feedback. But this is precisely where China’s efforts fall down. (2/10)
The official narrative paints a rosy picture of China’s historical trajectory, the role of the Communist Party, and the country’s “win-win” relationship with others. It deems critical views, especially those from abroad, as ill-informed or ill-intentioned. (3/10)
But the reality is much more mixed, and the dissonance between the official narrative and that reality is what makes Chinese efforts unpersuasive to the international audience. (4/10)
Official China is blind to that gap b/c of its illiberal values. They prioritize state power, social order, and Han superiority. Much of the global audience is more liberal; they have a more skeptical view of authority, prize individual liberty, and value multiculturalism. (5/10)
Hence, the enormous differences in narrative over the CCP, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, the COVID response, etc. (6/10)
Similarly, the Chinese official narrative doesn’t allow for multiple interpretations. It deems as “dissent” views that are highly negative or inconsistent with the official story. (7/10)
Ironically, official China would have more narrative power if permitted a multitude of voices, including those that point to weaknesses, mistakes, failures, and inequities. (8/10)
But to do so would require a more pluralistic domestic political environment in which competing voices and interests are encouraged to openly contend. The space for artists, writers, journalists, lawyers, and philanthropists in China has shrunk over the last decade. (9/10)
In short, it’s hard to see China having much more global narrative power unless it becomes more liberal or converts the rest of the world to illiberalism. That is true heart of the struggle. (10/10)
