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Mask diplomacy? Understanding China's goals in delivering medical aid in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
[journal article]
Abstract In the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, China provided medical assistance on an unprecedented scale. While some observers have underscored the strategic purposes of China's COVID-19 aid, referred to as "mask diplomacy," they have yet to assess this argument against empirical evidence. We seek to... view more
In the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, China provided medical assistance on an unprecedented scale. While some observers have underscored the strategic purposes of China's COVID-19 aid, referred to as "mask diplomacy," they have yet to assess this argument against empirical evidence. We seek to examine whether China's medical aid was used as a strategic tool, or it remained reactionary and fragmented, by combining a new dataset on the global distribution of Chinese in-kind medical aid with a qualitative analysis of government and news reports during the first wave of the pandemic. Our findings show that although COVID-19 aid did have the potential to strengthen China's influence over recipients and promote Chinese knowledge of health governance, Chinese policymakers were underprepared to use aid strategically during the pandemic. The reactionary and fragmented nature of China's COVID-19 aid was reflected in its allocation, its policy-making processes, and its implementation.... view less
Keywords
China; health policy; epidemic; international cooperation; health care delivery system; health care services
Classification
International Relations, International Politics, Foreign Affairs, Development Policy
Health Policy
Free Keywords
Außenpolitische Strategie; Bestimmungsfaktoren; COVID-19; Entwicklungshilfe; Pandemie; Gesundheitshilfe (Auslandshilfe)
Document language
English
Publication Year
2023
Page/Pages
p. 381-412
Journal
Journal of Current Chinese Affairs, 52 (2023) 3
ISSN
1868-4874
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed