Control over China’s media narrative seen in swift turn towards US friendship ahead of Biden-Xi meeting at APEC summit
As the much-anticipated meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit approaches, China’s media narrative has taken a swift turn towards emphasizing friendship with the United States. This sudden shift in tone reflects China’s desire to control the narrative and present a positive image ahead of the crucial meeting.
China’s state-controlled media outlets have been actively promoting stories highlighting the potential for cooperation and collaboration between the two nations. Headlines such as “China and the US: Working Together for a Better Future” and “Building Bridges: China-US Relations Enter a New Era” dominate the news landscape, painting a rosy picture of the bilateral relationship.
This strategic move by China’s media is aimed at shaping public opinion and projecting an image of China as a responsible global player willing to work with the United States. By emphasizing friendship and cooperation, China hopes to downplay existing tensions and present itself as a reliable partner in addressing global challenges such as climate change and economic recovery.
The timing of this media campaign is not coincidental. The APEC summit provides an ideal platform for President Biden and President Xi to engage in face-to-face discussions and potentially reset the tone of their relationship. China’s media narrative serves as a precursor to this meeting, setting the stage for constructive dialogue and fostering an atmosphere of goodwill.
However, it is important to recognize that China’s control over its media narrative is not new. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long exercised strict censorship and propaganda measures to shape public opinion and maintain its grip on power. This latest shift towards emphasizing friendship with the United States is merely another example of China’s ability to manipulate its media landscape to serve its political agenda.
While China’s media campaign may be aimed at projecting a positive image, it is crucial to approach these narratives with a critical lens. China’s human rights abuses, crackdown on dissent, and aggressive foreign policies cannot be overlooked or brushed aside. It is essential for the international community to hold China accountable for its actions and not be swayed solely by media narratives.
Furthermore, it is important for the United States and other nations to approach the upcoming meeting with caution. While dialogue and cooperation are essential in addressing global challenges, it is crucial to ensure that any agreements or commitments made by China are followed through with concrete actions. Words alone cannot be taken as a guarantee of China’s intentions or actions.
As the APEC summit approaches, the world will be watching closely to see how the meeting between President Biden and President Xi unfolds. The media narratives being promoted by China serve as a reminder of the country’s ability to control public opinion and shape the narrative to suit its interests. However, it is essential for the international community to remain vigilant and not be swayed solely by these narratives.
In conclusion, China’s swift turn towards emphasizing friendship with the United States in its media narrative ahead of the Biden-Xi meeting at the APEC summit reflects its desire to control the narrative and present a positive image. While dialogue and cooperation are important, it is crucial to approach these narratives with caution and hold China accountable for its actions. The international community must remain vigilant and not be swayed solely by media narratives in order to ensure a fair and constructive outcome from the upcoming meeting.