Unbowed: China's Counter- Propaganda Blitz Against U.S. Tariffs
"China counters Trump's stance with Korean War references and AI-based internet memes, asserting, 'Always stand.'"
In response to the U.S. imposing tariffs, China is fighting back with a fierce propaganda barrage, employing provocative tactics to bolster national resolve, assert China's resilience, and challenge American hegemony. Recent provocations include the unleashing of inflammatory videos and editorials, underlining China's unyielding position against U.S. coercion.
Tactics
- Symbols of Resistance: China's propaganda often invokes historical instances where it defied foreign pressure, as seen in the "Never Bow Down!" video, which reinforces the Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou's return and the Korean War as symbols of national tenacity[1].
- Economic Defense: Propaganda campaigns emphasize China's economic clout and resilience, with articles espousing China's capacity to bolster domestic consumption in response to U.S. tariffs, even though the feasibility of these claims is occasionally disputed[2].
- Perception Shaping: China seeks to paint the U.S. as an isolated and antagonistic force on the global stage, as reflected in narratives depicting the U.S. as a vulnerable vessel amidst a sea of global solidarity[1].
Ramifications
- Domestic Unity: These propaganda blitzes aim to forge a sense of shared adversity and defiance among the Chinese populace, fostering unity behind the government's stance on trade matters[1].
- International Sentiment: China's assertive messaging endeavors to sway global opinions on the trade war, crafting a narrative where China is the victim of U.S. aggression. This can boost international sympathy for China's stance, albeit with varying success depending on the audience[1][2].
- Economic Factors: While propaganda can prop up domestic morale, the grueling economic challenges posed by U.S. tariffs persist. The task of maintaining economic equilibrium while warding off U.S. trade measures continues to be a formidable challenge[2].
Ultimately, China's propaganda onslaught seeks to create a narrative of strength and fortitude in the face of U.S. tariffs, nurturing domestic support and managing international perceptions. Yet, these efforts entrance the broader economic and geopolitical undercurrents of the trade dispute.
- The national law of China, in response to U.S. tariffs, has been likened to a war-and-conflicts policy-and-legislation strategy, as Beijing's propaganda blitz against U.S. tariffs resembles war tactics.
- The World Trade Organization (WTO) could potentially find China's tariff tactics in breach of international law, a possibility that adds another layer to the global trade conflict.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) could play a role in China's propaganda efforts, with AI-powered tools and algorithms employed to shape general news narratives in China's favor.
- The censorship of news within China may become stricter due to the ongoing trade war, as the government seeks to control the narrative and maintain public support for its policies.
- Tariffs on world trade are not limited to commodities, as the distribution of fentanyl, a potent opioid, could also become a subject of tariff discussions, impacting intra-national concerns and global health policies.
- The ongoing trade war and resulting propaganda could have far-reaching political implications, potentially altering the balance of power between nations and reshaping the global political landscape.
- As political tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen whether China's aggressive propaganda tactics will sway public sentiment and global opinion in favor of its position on trade, or if it will be met with increased American resolve and further escalation of tariffs.
