Global Media Systems - China and Russia

Disney and China

China is using Disney to globalize its own media and entertainment companies and to improve the country's image abroad. Disney has agreed to use its global platform to introduce more about China to the world. Disney has collaborated with Shanghai Media Group to make films for global audiences and Disneyland Shanghai (American-Chinese joint venture) has an average of 10 million visits anually There are still, however, strict regulations on foreign film imports. Scripts are edited to not offend strictly sensitive govt. and producers have altered films to make them China-friendly.

China Radio International

China's state-owned Radio network which broadcasts in 61 languages via overseas regional hubs.

Internet Research Agency (IRA)

-A Moscow-based company that works to advance Russian government interests -Known to be a "troll farm" -Claimed to be U.S. activists and created many fake social media accounts to support this façade They follow the model of China's 50-cent army. This is because they use fake social media accounts and employ an army of users/trolls who closely monitor and influence public opinion. It was developed in 2013 to manage public opinion and the politically disruptive effects of social media. Before this the internet was relatively free but the Arab Spring brought about worry. In this perios, strict laws on blogs werw apploed and domestic social medias were placed under ownership of govt. friendly companies. Their strategy is to discredit the internet and turn it into an unreliable source by polluting online conversations with false information and contradicting versions of events. The IRA was identified as the source of social media campaign aimed at influencing the 2016 elections. They employed people to create fake accounts and personas to post/share content aimed at promoting Russian interests. This strategy was to prey on fragilities of Western democracy. They exploited existing social/political polarization to stoke distrust in the liberal democracy model and provoked confusion among Americans since they would often promote both Clinton and Trump (mostly Trump tho ofc). They even organized events on Facebook that Americans attended unaware.

The Great Wall (MOVIE)

A Sino-American production that was thought to garner an Acadmey Award but was ultimately a FLOP. It received 6/10 on IMDB, 35% Rotten Tomatoes. Douban, a Chinese rating site rated it a 5.4/10. It was criticized for poor character and story development and was burdened with a Chinese nationalist fantasy that excessively displays Chinese military might - leaving little room for complex narratives. The overarching theme was the greatness of China as a country and the enormity of Chinese culture. The film's biggest investor (Wanda Group) has close ties to the CCP. The People's Daily published an article severely criticizing online publications that reviewed the movie poorly and online publications took down negative reviews, leaving only positive ones. The film is a reminder that big budgets, star power, and excessive SFX do not translate into good stories - Hollywood or Chinese. It did little for Chinese soft power but it made money.

Soft Power

A concept that refers to a nation's ability to influence others through non-coercive means, such as culture, diplomacy, and ideology, rather than through military force or economic incentives (hard power). According to Joseph Nye, soft power of a country relies on it's political values, it's foreign policy, and a country's culture. China's soft power strategy has focused on culture in the past decade, but this has changed to politics and foreign policy ever since COVID. A key element of soft power is cultural influence.

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

A global development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure development and investments in hundreds of countries and international organizations in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas aimed to connect China to the respective countries. By the end of the initiative, it is supposed to have completed 900 infrastructure projects, valued at 1.3 trillion dollars - forming an economic "belt" across the Eurasia region and a maritime "Silk Road" through the Southeast, South Asia to the Middle East. It is aimed to deepen economic integration and connectivity, economic cooperation, facilitate trade and foster development. It is also aimed to foster cultural exchanges, telecommunications networks and policy coordination. This initiative brings about potential for economic benefits for China. Chinese media and govt. has put a favourable gloss on this and their message is largely that this is a positive investment that will improve international exchange, cooperation on culture and media - using the positive role of the internet to foster harmonious friendly cultural environments. Chinese media suggests that the BRI offers opportunities for involved countries to improve their telecommunication infrastructure using Chinese investment - bridging the gap and making people all over the world a part of the information civilization. There is this goal of creating a new "Chinese speaking" information civilization. EXAMPLE: Culturally, they aim to reach readers in countries along the modern silk road by translating Chinese literature (described as a localization operation). An annual "Silk Road Int. Arts Festival" is held in Xi'an (starting point of the ancient Silk Road)

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC)

A government entity established to enhance control over online content and by 2014, is the countrys top Internet censorship, oversight, and control agency - answering directly to Xi Jinping

Wolf Warrior 2 (MOVIE)

A movie featuring a renowned kung-fu master. It broke domestic box office records for Chinese cinema but flopped in South Korea (probably due to a conflict between both countries in 2016-17) but it succeeded elsewhere. However, it failed to engage foreign critics as it was a blatant tool for propaganda: the Chinese hero beats up bad guys and rescues African locals and Chinese nationals and uses a smartphone (showcasing Chinese technological superiority) to record terrorists. It was criticized for being a bad parody of the Rambo franchise. Critics: narrative seems implausible and movie is a product of Xi Jinping's rule and ideology, and the idea of China's "rejuvenation." Nationalist elements deemed to obvious.

Hard Power

A nation's use of military or economic power to influence other actors' behaviors. It involves the use of coercive tactics

Nation Branding

A strategic effort to promote a nation's identity, values, culture, and assets in order to enhance its global perception and influence. Nation branding includes identity and values: unique characteristics of a nation to create a distinct national identity Image Building: developing and communicating a compelling and consistent narrative

China's Online Surveillance Measures

Automatic and manual screening of the web to check for violators who have eluded preventive measures. Allegedly, the state use search engine technologies to oversee online expression. Internet police force, propaganda system and other control agencies employ inspectors to manually watch the web. Service providers and universities keep close watch and remove any "inappropriate" content from sites under their supervision. There is an illegal information reporting system which encourages peer monitoring.

National Rejuvenation

A theme in China initially articulated during the economic reform era but moved center stage among Beijing's policy elites during Hu Jintao's leadership. China's "peaceful rise" was unveiled in 2000 as a counter to western colonialism and hegemony. The plan was to advance by learning from the great powers of the past and show the world the wonders of its civilization. This theme continued on during Xi's leadership and is described as the "Chinese dream" and a "strategic plan" for achieving lasting greatness for the Chinese nation. Xi even wrote a book titled "great rejuvenation." Through economic growth, military strength, global influence in a post-American world order, and technological advancements in 5G and media, China aims to be a strong nation. Xi has emphasized the idea of "cultural empowerment" which contains themes like "going-out" specifically the internationalization of China's culture and ideas. He wants China to tell its story well. In journalism, China's message is going out to audiences in places where China is providing aid and investments (BRI), meaning their governments are inevitably reluctant to criticize China.

Cultural Empowerment

A theme that fits neatly with the Chinese Dream of National rejuvenation. This theme refers to the confidence in the nation's cultural heritage. China's cultural appeal was thus central to its global competitive strategy. After Japanese and South Korean media (anime, kpop, kdramas) built a presence in China in the early 2000s, China concluded that these small powers tapped into modern forms of culture while mining traditional sources. China wanted to imitate this strategy to express its cultural appeal by elevating its own traditions in a modern way. Cultural self-confidence is central to this idea. Xi Jinping utilized a series of new values, ideology, judgements, to help respond to why and how to construct a strong cultural power. The tasl of making Chinese culture relevant to the world however falls to screenwriters, directors, and producers of narrative content. As global actors have distrusted global Chinese news platforms due to censorship and propaganda, China looked to the West - US hegemony is built on pop culture, entertainment and media so China has learned from the US and is attempting to follow suit. However, the results of China's utilization of the film industry as a soft power has not been enouraging.

Beijing Consensus/Sino-globalization

A view that questions Washington Consensus' belief in the superiority of private ownership over state ownership in economic policy making, which is often associated with the position held by the Chinese government. It refers to the idea of Sino-globalization which has emerged as a champion of Neo-liberal globalization (things are different under Xi Jinping however). Chinese globalization is different due to the state playing a pivotal, central role. State intervention is seen as crucial for maintaining social harmony, boosting growth, developing economy and for creating and controlling a national ideological narrative. The accelerated globalization of Chinese media coincides with shifts in international geopolitical/economic power relations - this was called a "post-American" or "post-Western" world. Since the 90s, China's global GDP has grown rapidly as countries of the G7 (West) has shrunk. Sino-globalization can really be seen in the past two decades ever since Deng Xiaoping doctrine which opened up China to the world in the 70s. This led to their economy expanding rapidly and necessiated their media going global. In 2006, China was the largest holder of foreign-currency reserves. In 2014, China overtook the US as the world's largest economy in GDP purchasing power (they are now the world's second largest economy) and by 2016, they became the world's largest importer for more than 70 countries. Chinese companies became increasingly competitive in global markets making acquisitions and investments around the world. This rapid growth of a non-Western power sparks concern in the West as they feel threatened. For over a decade now, Chinese media has been going global with the aim of: combatting negative discourse, and better communicating China's message to the world making their voices heard internationally.

End of Zero Covid Policy

After 3 years of strict lockdown and restrictions, zero covid policy ended late 2022. The country faced a surge of deaths and infections and struggled to manage it. After an incident in Xinjiang of a house burning, a wave of protests happened which led to the change in policy. The govt allowed people to vent only for a limited time but then there was an online crackdown on negative posts, especially because Xinjiang is a sensitive area related to the Uighur issue.

V.G.T.R.K

All-Russian state TV and Radio company. Russia's largest state owned media company. Its dominance has grown as the government restricts access to social media and independent news. It receives about 500 million dollars a year from the Russian government. It's the second most important part of Russian propaganda, following the direct operations of the Kremlin. It sets the news agenda and shapes public opinion.

China's Daily

An English-language state-owned daily newspaper that is described as a "voice of China on the global stage." It has over 45 million readers worldwide and various international editions. It circulates alongside the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post in the US. China Watch, China Daily's monthly supplement is published in several major languages. They have had sponsorships, including one with London's Daily Telegraph and have published a Russian edition

Digital Capitalism

Another word for online electronic commerce of all kinds. It is a phase of capitalism developed over the internet, creating a wide network economy supporting corporate business processes. Every transaction on earth that uses a computer is digital capitalism if the end result is a profitable outcome. Chinese digital capitalism is characterized by giving high priority to cyber-sovereignty of the Sino-sphere, sustaining the world's largest online market, establishing domestic cyber properties and protecting them from competition coming from global giants and globalizing Chinese digital corporations.

Digital Silk Road

As the BRI encompasses nearly over 100 countries, China has access to several nations' attention. Ideas have travelled along the silk road for decades but broadband connects people now and digital devices offer ways to consume film, TV, online media. Chinese companies (Huawei, ZTE, Tencent etc) are moving westward. The digital silk road thus provides China with a way to extend its influence. EXAMPLE: Alibaba sponsored 11-day program for 37 entrepreneurs from BRI countries. Huawei sponsored a Central Asian Innovation Day with the theme "Explore the New Digital Silk Road." - The idea is for more people to use communication platforms owned, controlled, and surveilled by China so their cultural power can expand.

ChatYuan

Chinese AI bot app similar to ChatGPT. It garnered over 10,000 downloads in its first hour. However, some responses it gave criticized the Chinese economy and described the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a "war of aggression" which goes against China's pro-Russia stance. Days later, authorities shut down the app. Mr. Xu, creator of the app, stated he was adding measures to make the bot more patriotic, including filtering our sensitive info, hiring manual reviewers, and training a separate bot to detect and filter out "incorrect points."

Youku

Chinese Youtube (owned by Alibaba)

iQIYI

Chinese entertainment platform similar to Netflix (owned by Baidu, China's google)

Adaptive Authoritarianism

Chinese government adapts its policies to respond to popular sentiments posted online. This refers to legitimacy not just through censorship and control but also by allowing certain spaces of freedom, employing social media manipulation tactics and PR techniques, such as astro-turfing. Also allowing limited amount of freedom in response to specific circumstances to give the impression of autonomy and control citizen uproar (EXAMPLE: early/late covid, Dr. Li Wenliang) China has adapted beyond coercion and censorship. To shape online opinion, it uses more innovative propaganda tactics like engaging public via social media, embracing popular cyber culture, and fabricating/encouraging nationalist and pro-regime voices.

Limits of China's Media going Global

Chinese media is going global at a time where the digital and media sphere is already crowded and dominated by the West (US+UK). Studies show that mainstream English-language media still plays an influential role in constructing China's national image and mainstream media sets the agenda for international social media in reporting China. Chinese media have had limited success in readressing this due to excessive bureaucratization and overt/covert censorship - often self-censorship which limits the journalistic impact. A chinese angle on world news remains elusive because there's a perception that its narratives are tainted by its authoritarian political system. Despite claims of being multi-ethnic, China has historically been homogenous and its view of the world is hierarchal. They neglect issues of Muslims. They have been paying international radio stations to operate as mouthpieces for China. Conditions for journalists in China do not meet international press freedom standards and that results in distorted reporting about the country RESULT: China is still perceived as being culturally and politically isolated

TikTok

Created by ByteDance. This company relies on AI technologies to learn about individual's preferences for targeted recommendations. It also uses targeted ads and AI to aid creators in creating viral videos. Douyin is the chinese version created first, then Tiktok was launched for the global market in 2018. It is more than a social media app, the information finds the users rather than the user finding the information. It's more of a content editor than a social forum and is more curatorial, emphasizing interests rather than social elements. In 2020, with the help of lockdowns, TikTok exploded globally. It's algorithms allow the app to learn about each users' tastes very quickly in an act of passive personalization. It's highly popular in US, Europe, and Middle East - countries that are foreign to ByteDance teams. ByteDance acquired another Chinese app, Musical.ly, when launching Tiktok in order to get the benefits of having their already large global audience. White House administration have a contradictory approach to the app: they embrace the app as a vital conduit to the public, and fear the app as a potential tool for foreign influence. There are worries about its vulnerability to exploitation and manipulation by Chinese govt. They've been accused of lying about the access of China-based employees to American user data, using the app to push pro-Beijing content, allowing Chinese state media accounts to run unchecked and unlabeled as they criticize American politics. Many US states and the military have banned it on state devices. TikTok is as much a product of the West as China - it's a result of the intermingling of ideas, capital, and people that define the last 5 decades of US-China engagement (tech symbiosis and globalization).

China's Online Preventive Measures

Designed to filter the flow of online information and prevent unwanted info from being access or published. Filtering is done on many levels. On National level, the great firewall has a collection of filtering technologies to disrupt connections that are deemed harmful. Taboo terms are filtered. Content providers screen posts before letting them through. Real-name registration and licensing are preventive measures because they allow the state to identify violators and this promotes self-censorship

Russia and Ukraine

Even as Russia faces battle field losses, casualties, economic isolation and international condemnation, state-run TV are painting an alternate reality of the war where Russia is winning. There is a crackdown on dissent and the propaganda machine is helping Putin maintain domestic support for the war. State-media companies cherry pick content from Western media outlets, obscure and right wing social media accounts, and Chinese officials to create an alternate version of war events. Since the war, EU has banned RT and Sputnik from operating in its 27 countries. They were also blocked in countries like the UK and Canada. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok made Russian content unavailable in the EU. Microsoft removed them from the Microsoft store and so did Apple. Youtube banned access to all RT and Sputnik channels in Europe then eventually worldwide. RT America shut down. Overall, Russia's aim to spread its narrative globally failed after the invasion of Ukraine and it diminished the role of the Russian voice globally. They faced cultural and political isolation and economic backlash.

Dalian Wanda Group

Owned by China's richest man and heavily invests in entertainment companies. They own movie theatre chains in the US, Europe, and Australia and have acquired the American movie production company "Legendary." They plan to build headquarters in the US to aid China's entry into the Hollywood film industry and promote Chinese culture. However, there is a belief that it will take China a long time to catch up with Hollywood.

Russia Today (RT)

First 24 hour russian government english language global channel. It has been crucial for spreading Russian soft power and propaganda. It's also available in multiple other major languages and was the only Russian media that was nominated for an Emmy award. RT Editorial Policy: - Criticism of US and Europe: exposes issues and controversies in Western society - Supports right-wing, populist politicians in the West - Doesn't allow criticism of Russian authorities or Russian foreign policy After 2016 US elections, RT and Sputnik were criticized as tools of Russian soft power and propaganda. Accused of manipulating Western public opinion to disrupt democracy and air disinformation.

FOCAC

Forum on China and Africa Cooperation. This is part of China's "going global" strategy and the strengthening of their foreign aid programme. In 2013, China contributed to 4% of total global development assistance with half of it directed to Africa since the establishment of FOCAC. This aid creates infrastructure for things like communication, information, and trade. China's trade with Africa has grown rapidly since 2000. This has inevitably caused Chinese media to expand in Africa. EXAMPLE: Nairobi has emerged as a hub for Chinese media presence in Africa with the setting up of CCTV Africa service in 2012

China and AI

In 2010s, China was challenging US on AI dominance because it had the resources (abundant data, skilled scientists etc). China led the world in AI patent - even TikTok's success can be attributed to AI. However, with the success of OpenAI and ChatGPT, China is behind in AI and tech innovation. Tech advancement in China is stalled due to censorship and government control of private sectors which stunts innovation and ambition. Success of Tiktok may well be the last of its kind due to strict limitations. In the past few years, the govt. has gone after their biggest tech companies to ensure that no one has as much influence or power on society as the CCP. They took minority stakes in several companies to hone effective control within them. The blame can also be put on Chinese tech leaders who only focus on making money and wouldn't invest in research project if it didn't make short term revenue. AI requires you to look into the future and invest. The Chinese govt obessesion with censorship is the biggest limitation to AI innovation and research because language models, for example, rely on large ranges of data and its hard to cherry pick which can be used and which cannot. There is also a limit coming from the lack of access to semiconductors which are required for AI innovation. China could end up a cautionary tale in how central government control stifles growth and tech innovation - similar to the old Soviet Union

Democratic Media System

In political science theory, modern political democracy is a system of governance in which rulers are held accountable for their actions in the public realm by citizens, acting indirectly through competition and cooperation of their elected representative. In this view, democratic mass political media system is the responsibility of a media system to provide information to citizens in order to participate in a process of governance - it is the media's responsibility to maximize opportunities for citizens to make political decisions. Population must have access to the media, there must be a degree of pluralism - the press should reflect diverse views. The press should not be under control of the state or a limited number of private owners. There are problems that come with this system however. These include, an increase in soft news, stultifying notions of objectivity, excessive cynicism which are all linked to a growing concentration of media in corporate hands. This can have negative impacts on civic engagement. These concerns, however, usually just reflect the quality of any given countrys democracy. After the fall of Communism, Russian media became liberalized and more democratic especialluy during the 90s which was a time characterized by modernization and westernization. Pre-Putin Russia followed the democratic political media system.

China's Online Public Opinion Manipulation Measures

Instead of preventing or removing undesired information, this measure allows the state to directly shape the opinions it wants to see online. For example, the state regularly issues decrees to content providers about its propaganda initiatives and urges government agencies to set up e-government platforms. They promote state media outlets and set up official accounts on social media sites. It has embraced a propaganda tactic called "ideotainment" which combines ideological constructs and popular cyber culture. It also utilizes astroturfing.

Digital Protectionism

It is the process of localizing the Internet (Great Firewall) while limiting outside competiton and censoring the internet. Domestic consumption of media in China attests to limited international connection. China's great firewall has led to a generation of Chinese people growing up unconcerned about being virtually connected to a world outside what is deemed permissible by the CCP. Though Chinese apps have gone viral abroad, Chinese cultural and entertainment content remain domestically bound. Chinese govt. has policies in place which restrict content and create echo-chambers for the CCP - this remains one of the biggest obstacles to China going global.

Sputnik

News afency and international multimedia platform launched in 2014. It is owned by the Russian government and is available in major world languages. It provides an alternative perspective on global events and has a website/various radio broadcasts. The goal is to reach a global audience and presnt them news and analysis.

China's Online Crisis Management Measures

Online crises are defined broadly and include discussion of any taboo topics, official scandals, mobilization for online or offline collective action and any viral cyber events that are deemed to be going out of hand. To defuse crises, monitoring agencies send out directives via phone/email/sms to service providers instructing them to take specific actions within a time limit. Users can be banned or warned. Websites can be fined or shut down partially or completely. Individuals may be taken to be questioned by authorities or jailed. Sometimes the state launches massive campaigns like an anti-rumour campaign targeting social media platforms.

Xi Jinping

President of China and leader of the CCP. He is a dictator and ever since taking power in 2013, has embellished a profile of a charismatic, strong leader - downgrading the success of his two predecessors and being linked to the status of Mao Zedong. His status is elevated to that of Deng Xiaoping, despite being the man who opened China up to the world. Deng's more liberal model for China does not match up with Xi's current regime. Xi has reversed many of Deng's achievements such as: depoliticizing everyday life, institutionalizing political succession, shunning leadership personality cults.

China Global Television Network (CGTN)

Previously called China Central Television (CCTV) which is now CGTN's parent company. It operates under the control of the CCP. It was launched with the aim to rebrand their product to the world and cope with media convergence global trend. It is available in multiple major languages and is the main instrument of Chinese global communication which reports news from a Chinese perspective

Alibaba

Privately funded Chinese media conglomerate. It is the largest virtual shopping mall and an e-commerce giant (China's Amazon) and it has had the largest stock market flotation in history. e-commerce + logistics + finance has made Alibaba China's best known corporate brand as of 2016. Its founder is dubbed as China's Rupert Murdoch - he has acquired "Youku Tudou" (China's Youtube), "South China Morning Post," and Alibaba Pictures. He has also invested in international companies like Snapchat and PayTM. Alibaba also joined Mcdonalds and Coca Cola being a leading sponsor for the Summer and Winter Olympics until 2028. Privately funded conglomerates in China have seen more success than state-owned media companies as they have more manouverability to work around China's highly regulated media system but they still follow strict rules. (This is gradually changing).

Cyber Sovereignty

Refers to China's efforts in governing the internet by creating boundaries and exerting control over these boundaries. In China's version of cyber-sovereignty there is a focus on a domestic tech field. China has its own versions of every US app and the aim is to reduce China's industrial and technological dependence on the West while simultaneously transforming into a global tech leader. This has strengthened China's digital imprints all over the world and has resulted in the extra-ordinary growth of China's tech industry. Baidu, Huawei, Tencent, Alibaba, and ByteDance are some of the biggest and 'smartest' companies in the world. Chinese corporations like Oppo, Lenovo, and Xiaomi account for 46% of smartphones in India as of 2016.

Washington Consensus

Refers to US-led globalization which is based on liberalization, deregulation, and privatization

Networked Authoritarianism

Refers to the Chinese government's adaption to the internet as a tool to legitimize party-state monopoly discourse and narrative. It is a form of governance where authoritarian regimes leverage modern communication technologies and networks to control and manipulate information flows, monitor citizens, and supress dissent. Examples of this are - Cybersecurity measures: blocking access to certain websites and monitoring online communications - Surveillance: advanced surveillance technologies including facial recognition, online monitoring and other forms of digital surveillance - Information Control: Censorship, propaganda, dissemination of state-sponsored narratives. Social media is often manipulated to shape public opinion in favor of the government However, many Chinese people with international exposure know how to work their way around this using VPNS.

The Great Firewall

Refers to the legislative actions and technologies enforced by the Chinese government to regulate the internet domestically. Its role in internet censorship is to block access to select foreign websites and slow down cross-border internet traffic. Private corporations constantly monitor online communication. It is officially known as the Golden Shield Project. The aim is to restrict access to foreign websites and internet services that are deemed vaguely as being harmful to social stability. This includes any website that contains criticism of CCP, political dissidence, human rights issues, or any other sensitive topic. It is also an anti-globalization measure as it doesn't allow for the free flow of information between China and the world. Some banned sites include: Google, FB, X, Instagram, Snapchat, BBC, Wikipedia, Adult Content websites, Skype, Human Rights Watch and more. Some topics censored include: any political dissent, Tianmen Massacre, Human Rights issues, Religious issues (Uighur Muslims/Falun Gong), Taiwan conflict. Social media posts, e-mails, instant messages are all monitored to track individuals who might pose threats to the CCP. Methods include automatic taboo word filtering and manual surveillance. CRITICISM: It violates human rights, it negatively impacts free speech, and it limits free exchange of ideas. Censorship isn't always effective due to the internet's hard-to-control nature, CCP's internal divisions and inefficiencies, and creative solutions (algospeak, emojis, VPNs)

Easternization

Refers to the rise of Asian cultural, economic, and political influence and the simultaneous decline of the West. The rise of China represents this and manifests in the long term shift in global economic power. A more subtle, less propagandist, sophisticated globalization of Chinese media would go a long way in the process of Easternization.

China's "Going Global" Strategy

This refers to China going from dispatching state-sanctioned messages via domestic media organizations to diverse multi-platform strategy which makes use of commercial digital platforms. The key elements of this strategy: taking Chinese enterprise, investment and technology to the world, including Asia-Pacific and Africa countries involved in the BRI. The cultural strategy: connect overseas audiences of non-Chinese origin to China's traditions and history. Among the overseas audiences are Chinese diaspora who thanks to online platforms, can reconnect to the homeland

Early COVID phase

The early phase of COVID posed a crisis for the Chinese propaganda machine. It is a virus of unknown origin and steep death tolls, and news of the censorship of the virus enraged public opinion. Chinese journalists called for free speech and fought back. News was posted describing government cover-ups and failures in the healthcare system. Professional and citizen journalists criticized the mismanagement of the early phase of the pandemic. Health officials in Wuhan concealed evidence that the virus was SARS-like and denied that it was human-to-human transmissible. Dr. Li Wenliang's story also caused rage. People called him a martyr and hero and expressed frustration online. Millions took part in online revolts, demanding free speech. The Chinese govt. allowed people to vent their rage until March 2020. They then mobilized their enormous propaganda machine and made widespread efforts to supress critical messages. The CCP deployed reporters to Wuhan to tell uplifting stories. There was a fear of political repercussions for the govt, both domestic and international. The task to control COVID info was given to the CAC. Their strategy was only to allow govt. published material, ban any parallels to the deadly 2002 SARS, actively influence domestic and international opinion. Headlines and stories had to stay clear of keywords like "Fatal", "incurable" or "lockdown" Negative news was not to be promoted and no reports on donations of medical supplies from abroad. CAC asked local branches to craft ideas for fun at home to ease anxieties - nothing contradicting CAC's reassuring message is allowed. Ppl who filmed scenes of Wuhan crisis were silenced. 50 cent army flooded sm with distracting chatter. The aim was to prevent panic and make the virus look less severe and authorities look more capable to the rest of the world.

Cultural Influence

The exporting of a country's culture, values, and traditions such as art, music, film, literature, sports, language, and education.

People's Daily

The official newspaper Central Committee of the CCP. Since 1997, the online version has been available in 9 languages. It is one of the top newspapers in the world and the top newspaper in China. It is owned by the CCP.

Negatives of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

The official speak regarding the BRI is simply part of China's soft power narrative. It doesn't necessarily match the reality of the situation. The Chinese government is deliberately building networks to connect itself to minerals, energy sources, cities, harbors, and oceans. They are being accused of being just another resource-hungry imperial power and taking control of the Indian Ocean. There are also concerns regarding the countries directly involved by China's new routes. EXAMPLE: China-Pakistan economic corridor brings about territorial issues since it passes through territory claimed by both India and Pakistan. The focus on trade and investment has overtaken the cultural exchange/communication aspects of the BRI. Criticisms of China's negligence in addressing religious issues, particularly Islam. China doesn't understand that you must win over people's hearts to succeed in the long term. Concern that the real goal is to break the West's political dominance and conquer the world. Issues with the financial side of the BRI and a potential Chinese debt trap. This project is very expensive and countries being invested in are mostly developing and don't have the funds to pay China back - they are trapped because nothing is free.

Xinhua

The official state news agency of the People's Republic of China. It is the highest ranking state media organ in China and it has expanded its international operations, particularly in the developing world, claiming to articulate Southern News agenda. Despite Xinhua's marketization and globalization, its lack of credibility is its biggest flaw. This is because Chinese tV and media is yet to acquire global credibility as there is a perception that they are merely propaganda vehicles for the Chinese government.

Tiktok vs US

The opacity of TikTok's algorithm, presents the most worrying national security risk for US policy makers as there is a fear of influence by China on US population, especially the younger generations. Also there is a fear that the data gathered on Americans would be accessed by Beijing and used for blackmail/harassment. In 2020 and then in 2023 U.S. authorities considered a ban, but platform is significant cultural and economic force. Also a ban would require a detailed, thought-out legal theory which allows them to bypass the First Amendment. The White House told ByteDance that it must be divested of TikTok or to allow American user data to exist only on American grounds.

Cyber-governance with Chinese Characteristics

This involves a balance between online order and freedom and between opennes and autonomy. The Chinese characteristics refer to a model whereby the state NOT the market is who takes the main lead in modernizing the cyber space and globalizing their economy

Neo-authoritarian Media System

This is the system that Putin's Russia follows. It falls into a broad rubric of authoritarian systems. In traditional auhoritarian systems, pluralism is tolerated but with limits, especially on issues of central importance to the regime. The media is also used as a weapon to attack political enemies. State-owned media have limited autonomy and being appointed a key position means you have political loyalty. Access to media may be open and private ownership is tolerated by with control. Subsidies and government advertising are used to promote support. Critics are silenced using economic pressure through legal and quasi-legal actions against owners as well as broadly worded laws which prescribe criminal/civil penalties for journalists concerning issues such as state interest, national security, the image of the head of state. The regime condones violence against opposition journalists in order to create uncertainty among them and in turn get self-censorship. Some elements of democratic mass political media systems are tolerated which gives the appearance of democratization but in reality there are strict limits. TV is seen to be the most important medium so it is the most controlled while print media is more autonomous and often can be critical of the regime but this has changed after mass protests in Russia in 2012 and even more drastically after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Overall, it is a system that has some democratic elements which are gradually being eroded or sidelined in the service of an authoritarian project.

Sovereign Internet Policy

This policy is designed to make Russian internet independent of the global internet and prevent it being switched off from the outside. It includes a new system of limiting and blocking traffic with the help of "Deep Packed Inspection" (DPI) which is a method of examining data flowing through the internet. This tool helped Rozkomnadzor slow down Twitter in March 2021. Russia can fine platforms and block operations of social media companies for: - not storing personal data of Russian users in Russia - refusing to delete harmful content after asked - possibly now for not having an office in their country

Putin's Managed Democracy

This refers to Putin's Russia whereby a formally democratic government functions as a de-facto authoritarian government. The Russian state under Putin makes regular enroachments on private media autonomy, especially broadcast media. 90% of Russian population report that TV is their main source of political news. EXAMPLE: Collapse of Media-Most after invasion of its premises by heavily armed tax police and direct pressure from Ministry of Press, Radio and TV. NTV which was the leading source for state owned broadcast news, fell into the hands of a govt. controlled entity. People argue that this attack was most likely due to negative views expressed on Media-Most about Putin's presidential campaign. This attack led non-state media to self-censor in fear of being next. Individual journalists who reported any stories critical of the regime have been detained, arrested or sent to psychiatric wards. Independent press is being persecuted far more than any time since the Soviet era.

Douyin

TikTok's equivalent platform on the Chinese market owned by ByteDance. Douyin and TikTok have stark differences since Douyin has to follow strict rules of the CCP. It acts as another tool for the spread of the great rejuvenation theme and promotes content with positive vibes and nationalist sentiment. There is no mention of sensitive topics like the Tianmen massacre on the app. It has an automatic beauty filter that reflects the harsh beauty standards women face in China. A big difference is also the fact that Douyin has a massive online shopping market that Tiktok tried and failed to apply. They also take a much stricter line on younger users: Users under 14 can access only child-safe content and use the app for just 40 minutes a day and. They can't use the app from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

50 Cent Army

Up to 2 million government employed part-time bloggers and social media users who are tasked with fabricating and posting comments cheering for the state, symbols of the regime, or the history of the CCP. This is the regime's effort at strategic distraction from collective action, grievances, or general negativity. These people are state-sponsored trolls employed to monitor and influence public opinion. They engage in online expression anonymously and promote pro-govt. discourse. The name comes from their supposed payment of 50 cents per post/comment. The members are recruited from China's internet users and are tasked with promoting govt agendas, defending the country's name, and discrediting critics. Their existence has been acknowledged by the government but the exact nature and scope of the program is secretive

Cultural Trade Deficit

Whereby the attraction of foreign media in China is greater than the consumption of Chinese media outside of China. China encounters this imbalance mainly in sectors with mainly younger audiences.

Pluralism

a philosophy in which a system includes two or more states, groups, ideologies, or sources of authority that can coexist. To achieve pluralism in media is to have a diverse range of thought and perspectives be posted/broadcasted

Glasnost

a policy of the Soviet government allowing freer discussion of social problems. It refers to a more open, consultative government and the wider dissemination of information. This concept was initiated by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev from 1985. It was part of his campaign for reforming Soviet society. The press under Gorbachev and Yeltsin was a lot more open compared to the pre-glasnost era/ the Soviet Union under Stalin. Prior to Putin's leadership, there was pluralism in print and on TV, criticism of the government, little government control over press.

Dictator's Dilemma

an authoritarian ruler's repression creates fear, which then breeds uncertainty about how much support the ruler has; in response, the ruler spends more resources than is rational to co-opt the opposition. In China's case, it refers to when a dictator of a highly surveilled state is concerned with economic, technological, and industrial potentials of the Internet while having to deal with the sociopolitical challenges brought by these technologies - particulary the free flow od ideas and info. This is where the dilemma comes in because repression of free speech is seen as crucial in the Chinese dictatorship, but they still want to embrace new technologies which unfortunately for them, are characterized with being "liberation tools." These contradictory tasks have pushed the CCP to establish regulatory regime that promotes the development of the Internet as an industry while also controlling and taming its "disturbing implications."

Astroturfing

the practice of hiding the financial or political sponsor of a message or organization to make it appear as though it originates from and is supported by grassroots participants. It is intended to give the an event or movement popular credibility by withholding information about the financial or political connection.