Beijing¡¯s propaganda works at home

[Randy W]

from Foreign Policy - the author was "was an editor for the Global Times in Beijing between 2013 and 2015"

 

 

China’s $6 Billion Propaganda Blitz Is a Snooze

 

Beijing’s propaganda works at home, but it can't compete globally.

BY HILTON YIP | APRIL 23, 2018, 10:43 AM

 

 

In a world on the brink of chaos, China has decided that what people everywhere need is more good news — as long as it’s about China. China is creating a giant media outlet called Voice of China, combining the three state television and radio broadcasters aimed at overseas audiences: China Global Television Network, China Radio International, and China National Radio.

 

. . . despite the country’s economic, industrial, and technological might, China has a serious problem with its international image. The Chinese Dream doesn’t sell abroad, at least in the developed world — and the censorship and restraints that have always held back Chinese media abroad have been redoubled in the age of Xi.

That’s why the Chinese leadership has put significant effort into improving China’s soft power globally, with state media playing a key part.

 

. . .

 

In contrast to the staid People’s Daily and China Daily, the Global Times’ English edition has attracted lots of attention — but not necessarily for the right reasons. Its aggressive editorials pull no punches excoriating any country or foreign politician whom China has an issue with, such as calling U.S. President Donald Trump “as ignorant as a child” or branding the United Kingdom as fit only for travel and education. In March, one feisty editorial urged China to prepare for a “direct military clash” in the Taiwan Strait.