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China's mask diplomacy in Europe: seeking foreign gratitude and domestic stability
[journal article]
Abstract The analysis discusses domestic sources of China's diplomatic offensive in Europe following the outbreak of Covid-19, with a focus on the central and eastern parts of the continent. By examining selected case studies of countries competing for Chinese medical supplies in the time of the global crisi... view more
The analysis discusses domestic sources of China's diplomatic offensive in Europe following the outbreak of Covid-19, with a focus on the central and eastern parts of the continent. By examining selected case studies of countries competing for Chinese medical supplies in the time of the global crisis, it demonstrates how the party-state leadership with "Xi Jinping at the core" has been promoting the narrative of its transparent and timely response to the outbreak of the pandemic, while at the same time nurturing its image as a (benevolent) global leader in the struggle against the coronavirus. The article argues that mask diplomacy has served two overlapping domestic and foreign policy goals: aiming to cover up China's leadership's failure to contain the pandemic in its initial stage, while also turning acts of foreign gratitude to its advantage in seeking domestic public approval and the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party governance.... view less
Keywords
China; foreign policy; domestic policy; diplomacy; international relations; Europe; Eastern Europe; East Central Europe; epidemic; medical care; competition; securing of power; legitimation
Classification
International Relations, International Politics, Foreign Affairs, Development Policy
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Free Keywords
COVID-19; Pandemie; Gesundheitsfürsorge; Gesundheitshilfe (Auslandshilfe); Seuchenbekämpfung; Soft Power
Document language
English
Publication Year
2021
Page/Pages
p. 209-226
Journal
Journal of Current Chinese Affairs, 50 (2021) 2
ISSN
1868-4874
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed