In my latest paper for @JoDemocracy I note that the pandemic has not forced the CCP to revise its strategic goals. Rather, Beijing sees the current global disarray as an opportunity to further advance its objectives and it is using old tricks from its usual playbook:

1) Continued efforts to shape external perceptions via a proactive #propaganda campaign. The CCP is repeating some of its oldies but goodies themes, albeit adapted to the pandemic context.

Main positive tropes disseminated: China selflessly sacrificed for the common good / China generously helped a world in need / China stands as a guiding light, a superior model that others should look up to.

The propaganda campaign has also taken an offensive (in both senses of the word) turn, relaying distorted facts, ad hominem attacks, accusations of inappropriate behavior and racism, and even outright disinformation. Accompanied by economic retaliation in some cases.

2) Continued efforts to promote the CCP's foreign policy goals, community of shared future & #BeltandRoad. To tighten the ties that bind, Beijing highlights the need for int'l cooperation, especially via the creation of a #HealthSilkRoad

Beijing is pushing for both goals at the bilateral level and within int'l institutions, with Global South audiences as its main targets. The CCP's campaign is not just happening in the etheral realm of discourse. It has direct consequences for the ordering of the world.

The full article is on open access until August 15: https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/chinas-pandemic-power-play-2/
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