Open AccessChina’s diplomacy and changing the COVID-19 narrative
Author(s) -
Raj Verma
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.198
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 2052-465X
pISSN - 0020-7020
DOI - 10.1177/0020702020930054
Subject(s) - china , diplomacy , technocracy , political science , legitimacy , covid-19 , pandemic , soft power , narrative , victory , political economy , economic growth , development economics , law , sociology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , medicine , disease , economics , politics , linguistics , philosophy , pathology
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, especially 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.