China is pouring billions into its propaganda efforts, which are now more extensive and insidious than ever, aiming to shape global perceptions of the country and its leadership. Is it working? A Pew Research survey across 35 countries reveals varied views of China and President Xi Jinping, influenced by regional and economic factors.
The Global View of China
In affluent European countries, the sentiment towards China and Xi is predominantly negative. For instance, a mere 11% of Swedes view China favorably. Conversely, in sub-Saharan Africa’s middle-income countries, opinions are more positive. In Thailand, an impressive 80% of people have a favorable view of China, highlighting China’s region-specific influence strategies.
Countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea, which are high-income, generally hold negative views of China. On the other hand, middle-income nations such as Malaysia and Thailand are more positive. In Singapore, ethnic Chinese citizens are particularly favorable towards China, showing the impact of cultural ties on perceptions.
Changing Opinions Over Time
Opinions of China have varied over the years. Favorable views have risen in Argentina, Canada, and Greece but have dropped in Israel and Hungary. In Israel, the decline is attributed to China’s perceived critical stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. In Hungary, initially positive views have diminished due to recent geopolitical developments.
The Influence of Youth and Ideology
Younger people generally have more favorable views of China compared to older generations, notably in countries like Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and the UK. However, in Hungary and South Korea, younger people are less favorable towards China.
In the US and Israel, political ideology also affects views of China. Liberals are more likely to view China positively than conservatives, illustrating how political beliefs shape perceptions of international relations.
Confidence in Xi Jinping
Globally, confidence in Xi Jinping is low, with a median of just 24% expressing some level of trust in him. This sentiment is particularly weak in North America and Europe. However, middle-income countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand, show higher levels of confidence in Xi. Similarly, in sub-Saharan Africa, countries like Kenya and Nigeria have more positive views of Xi compared to other regions.
The Role of AI in Propaganda
China’s propaganda efforts have grown more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI-generated videos, like those in the “A Fractured America” series, highlight issues within the US, portraying it as a declining nation. These AI-produced videos are cost-effective and widely disseminated, enhancing China’s propaganda reach.
The Threat of Fake News Sites
China has also been linked to creating fake news sites that mimic local news outlets but actually promote pro-China content. Firms like Shenzhen-based Haimai Media Corp manage these sites, aligning their narratives with Chinese propaganda, attacking critics, and promoting Beijing’s viewpoints. While these sites have limited traffic, their potential to influence public opinion through search engines and social media is significant.
The Dark Future of Influence Operations
As AI technology advances, the ability to create realistic fake content will improve, making it harder to distinguish genuine media from manipulated content. This poses a growing challenge for democracies worldwide, especially during election periods. The use of AI in influence operations could lead to more effective disinformation campaigns, necessitating robust measures to protect information integrity.
China’s efforts are not universally recognized as insidious, with its billions of dollars yielding significant returns in trade and goodwill among developing nations. Is this a worthwhile investment?
