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Why China went on a global media blitz over the Hong Kong protests – and why it probably won’t work
- Chinese envoys around the world embarked on an unusually broad propaganda push to promote Beijing’s line on the extradition bill demonstrations
- But foreign audiences are unlikely to be receptive to the message, analysts say
Reading Time:4 minutes
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The campaign gained momentum in June, as Hongkongers turned out on an unprecedented scale to protest against a now-withdrawn extradition bill, but really took off in August.
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As the demonstrations grew into confrontations with police, protesters brought Hong Kong’s airport to a standstill and the city’s streets were choked in tear gas and smoke, top Chinese diplomats ramped up a coordinated effort to promote Beijing’s position.
From the United States to Mongolia and Nigeria to Costa Rica, Chinese envoys to more than 70 countries, regions and international organisations wrote opinion pieces for local news outlets, granted interviews, held media briefings and made speeches in a flurry of public relations activity.
They spread Beijing’s word in more than 10 languages, not only condemning violent protesters but also accusing the West of trying to foment a “colour revolution” in Hong Kong.
The burst of communications was unusual. While Chinese diplomats have spoken publicly before on big issues such as the China-US trade war and the Belt and Road Initiative, it had not been on such a scale.
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Observers said the effort was an attempt to shape international opinion about the unrest in Hong Kong, but no matter how united the approach, the campaign was unlikely to be effective.
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