Coronavirus: China’s Propaganda Campaign in Europe
The Chinese government has been fast-tracking shipments of medical aid to Europe in an effort to deflect criticism over its responsibility for the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus: China’s Propaganda Campaign in Europe
Soeren Kern | Gatestone Institute | March 22, 2020
The Chinese government has been fast-tracking shipments of medical aid to Europe, which has become the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic that first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The largesse appears to be part of a public relations effort by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Communist Party to deflect criticism over their responsibility for the deadly outbreak.
Beijing’s campaign as a global benefactor may deliver results in Europe, where pandering political leaders have long been notoriously fearful of antagonizing the European Union’s second-largest trading partner. What remains unclear is if European publics, which are bearing the brunt of the suffering caused by the epidemic, will be as easily willing to overlook the malfeasance of Chinese officials.
