The Asia 2021 Public Diplomacy Conference provided a detailed review of China’s emerging digital public diplomacy tactics. Using positive and constructive media to further their “waixuan” (external propaganda) goals; waixuan allows China to remake itself to a whole new audience. In this article, Aneesha from the IAS Gazette examines China’s public diplomacy operations on two social media platforms, Weibo and Twitter, to demonstrate this.
Dec 6: Conservative US Supreme Court Justices signal support for abortion restrictions, Iran nuclear talks stall again as Tehran strengthens stance, Hunger in Latin America up by 30 per cent from last year – highest in last 20 years.
Nov 29: At least 27 refugees and asylum seekers die while crossing the English Channel, The Socialist Party of Venezuela clinches a big victory winning 20 out of 23 governor posts, China reduces its diplomatic engagement with Lithuania following the Baltic state’s opening of a de facto embassy in Taiwan.
Nov 22: Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon forest soared to the highest level since 2006, US President Biden and Chinese President Xi met to discuss how to improve their ties, COVID-19 protestors in the Netherlands turned violent as they pelted the police with stones and fireworks.
Nov 15: China and the United States to Cooperate in Tackling Climate Change, Iranian General Warns Israel will be “Destroyed” if War Waged, Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Experiences “Systemic Blockade.”
Nov 8: US House of Representatives passes US$1 trillion infrastructure bill, Tigray forces join hands with nine opposition groups in coalition against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega set to win a fourth term in widely-criticised election.
Oct 25: Hundreds of students marched into DRC’s parliament building demanding higher pay for their teachers, At least 11 people were killed after the Syrian army shelled the residential area of Ariha, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte takes full responsibility for the massive drug war.
Oct 18: White House issues 40-page report against climate crisis, Myanmar junta chief excluded from upcoming ASEAN summit, Sudanese protesters took to the streets demanding military take over.
Oct 4: Brazil approves construction of power line through the Amazon reserve despite concerns, Former French military police officer admits to being a notorious serial killer in suicide note, Greta Thunberg led hundreds of young people to march along Milan to demand for swifter climate action.
The pandemic has had countries scrambling for masks and trying to contain the virus. Foreign policy has turned into a key area of competition, exacerbated by globalisation. What can the world take away from the actions of superpowers in this trying time, and what will the future look like once this is over?
The IAS Gazette is a news site run by undergraduates from the Singapore Institute of Management’s International Affairs Society (IAS). Founded in 2018, it traces its roots to The Capital, a now defunct bimonthly magazine previously under the IAS.
