Week 2 - Actors and Venues as "China" Engages the World (February 7)

[Crystal Hsia]

[clay dube]

Lecture 3: Identities and Ambitions

 

Resources on China and Australia - please choose at least one video and two text reports to read and discuss.
Video: Four Corners, "Interference: China's Covert Political Influence Campaign in Australia," Australian Broadcast Corporation, April, 2019.
Video: Jennifer Wong, SBS Dateline, "The China Dream: Tensions with Australia," August 31, 2022. (Part 2 focuses on Taiwan.)
William Yang, "Cheng Lei: Australian Journalist's Dire Prison Conditions," Deutsche Welle, Sept. 6, 2022.
Bill Birtles, "A Day to Pack Up Our Lives and Get Out," Sydney Morning Herald, April 30, 2021.
Jennifer Hsu, "The Politics of Being Chinese in Australia," Lowry Institute, March 3, 2021. (interactive | report)
Jamil Anderlini and Jamie Smythe, "The West Grows Wary of China's Influence Game," Financial Times, December 18, 2017.
Video: Rowan Callick, "The Party that Ate China: the Subsuming of a Great Culture," Ramsay Centre, April 12, 2022.
Chen Hong, "Can We Expect a Reset of China-Australian Relations?," Global Times, Jan. 19, 2023.
Hu Weijia, "Despite Different 'Values,' Australia Should Ameliorate Ties with China," Global Times, September 21, 2022.
Weizhen Tan, "China Restricted Imports from Australia. Now Australia is Selling Elsewhere," CNBC, June 2, 2021.

Managing the Story:
Short video on migrants and lunar new year in Southwestern China: Selina Wang, CNN, Jan. 27, 2023.
Essay about Zhao Lijian, China's leading "wolf warrior diplomat," be sure to read the update I've put at the top: Alex Palmer, NY Times, July 7, 2021. (article attached below)

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[Indira Engel]

I can't help but think back to the times of the Panamanian dictatorship, when the government controlled the news outlets. Propaganda shows on Sundays would tell the population that the "yankee boot" was trespassing the sovereignty of our nation. The message was repeated constantly, but there were underground groups that would network to report "real news", careful not to be discovered and "disappeared". There were 2 Panamas: the people and the government that represented them. I see this very phenomenon from this week's videos and readings. There's the CCP and the population. There's a millenary civilization with a rich history, traditions, and beliefs that define China and their people are represented throughout the world, showing a different side than what the CCP propaganda reflects.

In the Rowan Callick video, the comment that stood out for me, among others, was that China is using the same strategy used by the US in terms of foreign policy. I was a graduate of the Central American Peace Scholarships back in 1989 and as part of our English language training, US diplomats would give us lectures on the purpose of the program, the goals and expectations, and one of the lines repeated often was "we scratch your back, you scratch ours". The phrase was used to hint that in the future, when we (Panamanian students educated in the US) came back to our home country, we'd be friends of the US government and look favorably to endeavors that would benefit both countries. We understood the message and agreed that it would behoove us to support democracy over dictatorships and corrupt governments, no doubt. 

A few years ago, I learned that there was a newly appointed Chinese ambassador in Panama and he spoke near perfect Spanish (actually, Panamanian Spanish:-). Meanwhile, there was no US ambassador appointed for about 4 years. During that time, the Chinese government secured several contracts to build infrastructure and other projects that Panama welcomed to strengthen its service industry. 

[clay dube]

Indira, thank you for highlighting echoes in how big powers often treat "smaller" players. In the case of Panama, it only established diplomatic ties with China in 2017 and previously recognized Taiwan. Both Beijing and Taipei sought recognition for a long time and both have polished diplomats. You highlight a big problem for the current administration: getting ambassadors nominated and approved by the Senate. This problem existed during Trump's administration too. An article: https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/01/11/us-ambassador-posts-vacancies-diplomacy-india-ethiopia-saudi-arabia-italy-colombia/  Axios has a chart showing appointments of all sorts, not just ambassadorships. https://www.axios.com/2022/12/09/biden-senate-nominations-confirmations  Here's the announcement of Mari Carmen Aponti as amb. to Panama. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/10/08/president-biden-announces-key-nominations-4/  She was confirmed about a year later and has been US ambassador since September: https://pa.usembassy.gov/ambassador-mari-carmen-aponte/

[Jerrica Keane]

After reading the article about Cheng Lei’s experience in prison, I was surprised. Cheng, as a reporter, was formally charged with “suspicion of illegally supplying state secrets overseas”. I was surprised at the conditions that she experienced in the Chinese prison. It was very reminiscent of what I have read about prisons in Russia. I thought it was powerful that Cheng was teaching her cell mates English. It highlights her ability to make a positive impact in a dire situation.  One thing that I am quickly coming to realize being from Canada is that I am largely unaware of the lack of human rights and use of surveillance that infringes on rights that China uses. I discussed these thoughts with my colleague after the last session because I was genuinely surprised by the negative/skeptical feelings people have about China. Before reading this article and watching the video from last week about the use of Chinese technology to monitor political competition in Africa, when I thought of China, I thought of technology innovation, Communism, deep/rich history and international trade... none of it negative. I am now understanding the complexities of feelings that are present in American’s with regards to China's international involvement along with their lacking social justice. I am reminded of the article from last week stating global connections are not binary.

[Jerrica Keane]

Adding to my previous post about Cheng Lei’s arrest, the article https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/a-day-to-pack-up-our-lives-and-get-out-journalist-bill-birtles-on-fleeing-china-20210305-p5785k.html further elaborates on what happened to the Chinese-Australian reporter. The article describes how Chneg initial disappearance was masked under the false pretense that Cheng went back to Australia. However, it turns out that she was taken to residential surveillance without anyone knowing and the Chinese government operates this place as though a person is under house arrest. However, this is a gross violation of human rights. Not only was Cheng not changed with any crime at the time, the article explains how the Chinese government can keep suspects for up to six months while they build a case to change the person. Thinking about how I might use this case in my classes, I would use ChengLei as a case study in  my American Government class. For example, students could read the different methods and reasoning that the Chinese authorities use to detain a person and then have them look into detail about what different constitutional rights were violated if she was in America. It might be interesting for students to identify and articulate constitutional rights, while also viewing it from a social justice perspective. Beyond the idea for a case study, Cheng’s story brings up many questions: What was she doing that was perceived as such a threat to the Chinese government? What is Australia's reaction? This clearly aggressive act contradicts the ideas from last week that China is about peace and will grow without humiliating another country. Not only is Cheng connected to both China and Australia, her story is one of many. The article details reporters being told to leave China immediately to escape potential interrogation and I can not imagine the stress and anxiety that would inflict on an individual and a society. Are these situations common?

[Courtney Caldwell]

This week I watched the video "The China Dream: Tensions with Australia."  Toward the start of the video, there's a quote from President Xi Jinping's speech at the 100th Anniversary celebration of the CCP in which he reiterated a point that came up last week, "“The chinese people will never allow any foreign forces to bully, oppress, or enslave us. Anyone who dares to do that will have their heads bashed bloody against the Great Wall of Steel forged by over 1.4 billion Chinese people” To this end, the explanation that followed regarding China's "Wolf Warrior Diplomacy" and actions by both sides were equally concerning yet it made more sense considering that lens.

It seems that the relations between the two countries began breaking down in 2018 but was further exacerbated after there was a formal request from Canberra to look into the origins of COVID-19. As a result, China reacted in a way that to me seems like not only a blow to Australia, but China as well. Both countries are losing billions of dollars as a result of a strained/banned trade relationship, and a lack of tourism. There was a quote by the man who was operating the hot air balloon that said, "the politics are not the people - it's a political problem not a national problem" - essentially it's the people being punished for a political issue. It just leaves me wondering how far is too far? Considering these are two powerful countries, at what point does it become too much to the detriment of the country to continue harming/penalizing the other?

To clarify that question a bit further, the example was given of how it's also impacting education heavily. Education between the two is also a billion dollar institution but students from China are being blocked or even discouraged from traveling. It's interesting because while it's not putting off students (not all anyway) from wanting to travel between China and Australia, it's really making it a challenge. I felt particularly connected to this part because on my Fulbright we actually studied and found a home for our final presentations at The University of Sydney's Suzhou campus. This was in the summer of 2018, and I actually can't seem to find that it exists any longer. Whil there, we interacted with students studying from Australia in China on their winter session and also engaged with Chinese students studying at the Australian University as well - it really was a great relationship building venture, so when they spoke of how this would be broken down without the educational exchange between the countries it was sad to hear/consider after experiencing the exchange first hand. I wonder, for China in particular, these relations actually help break down barriers and help foreigners understand China a bit more in depth and first hand, so why would this relationship be cut off or made to suffer as a result of politics?
 

[Courtney Caldwell]

Interesting enough, it turns out we read the same two articles. In your initial post you expressed how after last weeks video it made you think of your own thoughts of China and how they weren't negative. I, too, have this feeling and it makes me think of the conversation we also had about perceptions of China in the west, but more specifically here in the U.S. There's a lot of stigma about China in the U.S. that doesn't exist elsewhere, like Canada for example as you had mentioned in our conversation. It really made me consider why that might be, and what interactions or influences have led to those opinions. 

Back to the point at hand (oops!) - these two articles were really fascinating to me. It's was interesting in the Sydney Morning Herald article, when Birtles expained the residential surveillance at a designated location as a "Orwellian" or totalitarian procedure that allows investigators to shut off communcation to the outside world while they build a case, and how it's this super powerful tool for "authorities to use and abuse." I think your idea for how to use this in class would really intrigue your students and also could potentially be used even in ethnic studies/social justice classes when discussing policing and justice practices. To know that Cheng Lei was detained for so long, and as of September 2022 after a trial very heavily guarded, still had no official sentence or release is quite disheartening. 

I agree that when comparing this weeks information to last, it does seem like the tactics used are quite opposite of the peaceful China discussed in the "Never Forget" Lecture. It makes me wonder more about "Wolf Warrior Diplomacy " - it's an "assertive" policy vs. the low profile ways of past. I can see how it aligns with the concept of trying to not be humiliated again but where is the line? When China claims to be peaceful and yet acts relatively aggressively (ex: kidnapping, holding in isolated detention, making foreign media afraid to stay, etc), is this not similar to SOME of the humiliation or fear tactics used against them in the past? 

 

[Jerrica Keane]

Hey Courtney, 

I was really glad I watched this video as well! It was super interesting and gave a lot of needed context for the articles I read. The questions you pose are thought provoking for sure. I wanted to add to your analysis of the video with regards to the first part of the video when they are talking about "The China Dream". The dream is explained as the belief in a more powerful and prosperous China. Highlighting that it is a collective ideology of Chinese nationalism. The notion of nationalism and collective identity is reinforced through the Chinese education system. This collectivist mentality is evident when the school children repeatedly state that they will protect both their family and their country - in that order. Interestingly, it is the opposite narrative present in the US. For example, the “American Dream” is very individualistic and based on individual meritocracy. I appreciated the difference (positive and negative) in ideology regarding individualism and collectivism. Overall, it highlights that there are so many ways to structure society, and personal life.

[Victoria Jacks]

In watching the 2 part  video, "The China Dream; Tensions with Australia... Taiwan", as well as  reading the Financial Times Article "The West grows wary of China's influence game" as well as the readings from last week, I am struck by the fact that China's ancient policy of isolating itself from the outside world and limiting foreign influence has been replaced by policies which purposely set out to increase their influence worldwide, and not necessarily in a peaceful way.  I understand the quest for economic strength, but China’s actions seem to go beyond the “peaceful rise” philosophy and look more like a quest for world domination.  Has the quest to avenge the Century of Humiliation (or stop it from happening again) turned into a quest for world domination in order to assure it won’t happen again? 

 

China is the oldest continuous civilization in history, with a legacy of great advancements in science, culture and the arts. Until the 1800’s China had efficient government systems that kept the huge country united, and a well developed economy based on a huge trade network.   Is China, via XI Jinping, looking to rebuild this glorious past or is it  more than that? In explaining the China Dream, the reporter in the video explains China’s belief that the world needs to accept China’s legitimate position in the world.  I think their tactics support acceptance by force. 

 

For example, the United Front whose public purpose  is to spread China’s influence and gain acceptance, however, the various agencies under its umbrella are really used to suppress dissent worldwide.  They do this by influencing and even bribing politicians worldwide.  Seeming to offer support of independent organizations run by expats around the world, while really looking to gain loyalty and control of the organization.  The United Front also makes sure that the few religions practiced in China see the CCP as their ultimate power, and intimidating Chinese dissenters around the world. Again this doesn’t look like building connectivity, rather it looks like forcing submission to China’s communist government.

 

Also, China’s intimidation of Taiwan with military incusions into their airspace, cyber attacks, misinformation campaigns that weaken trust in the Tawanese government, economic coersion all to get Taiwan to submit to its will. 

 

It is understandable that Western Countries are concerned.

 

[Ramon Martinez]

Session 2: Thoughts on "China's Covert Political Influence Campaign in Australia

 

I am not surprised to learn about the extent of China's messaging strategy throughout the world.  I was, however, surprised how Chinese diplomats, its state backed media and its communist party leveraged its influence in community and local council decision making.  I was surprised to learn to what extent it will work toward shifting narratives and changing perceptions about China in Australian communities.  What was even more interesting to learn was about its influence in the "Georges River Council" and how this local council without much fanfare decided to terminate the sponsorship of an independent newspaper "The Vision Times" from continued sponsorship of the "Chinese New Year".  This approach merely reinforces China's approach to control messaging, and to provide the talking points needed to support the communist party throughout the world. In addition, it signals how it is continuing to leverage its strategy and promoting China.  In particular, to reinforce Xi Jinping propaganda in ensuring that China is reflected positively throughout the world.  Additionally, China continues to message on the benefits of the Chinese version of its autocratic system and highlighting the weaknesses of western democracies.

 

[Victoria Jacks]

Think about how powerful that idea is of being the world's longest continuous civilization, of being an economic and technological powerhouse for hundreds of years.  That is in a people's DNA, so its fully understandable that the desire to rejuvinate China comes not only from the government but from the people as well, especially when there is so much prejudice and disdain for the Chinese from the western world.

[clay dube]

The "flooding the space" of Chinese language media in Australia (and New Zealand) can be a giant challenge. In the US, the largest Chinese language paper has been World Journal 世界日报. Back in the 1990s, it was in the top 20 in circulation in the US. It is based in the LA area, but has readers and offices in other major cities. It was well established, but has been challenged, first by Chinese language media from the PRC and more recently by the Falungong-affiliated Epoch Times. Of course, the bad news for independent media in the US is true for Chinese language media as well. One company that got attention is LA-based EDI (eagle dragon 应龙). Here they are most known as the sponsor of a major annual film festival, but also have a radio station (streaming as well as broadcast: https://icitynews.com/?page_id=229072. The company's owners, the Su family, are devout Christians (the awards at their festival are golden angels), but also rely on close business ties with mainland media. Reuters reported on some of this in 2015 because they also own a station outside Washington: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/china-radio/, My own feeling is that we need diversity in media voices and it is important to have independent local voices and not simply pipe in broadcasts produced in China or Taiwan. It's cheaper and easier to do that, especially since often it is available for free, but it is not a real service, especially since the internet makes it easy for anyone who wants a Beijing or Taipei take on things to get one. Much harder to hear local Chinese voices, but much more important for the health of the community.   -- Of course, everything can be balanced. Ch. 18 KSCI used to do this well in LA. You had a local newscast that was about LA, but in Chinese with particular attention to issues of interest to Chinese speakers. And they also included network news from Taiwan and from China as well. Sadly, the economics of running such a station (which also had soap operas and infomercials) didn't work out to support real newsgathering and reporting.

[Brendon McGirr]

I had a couple different things arise as I went through the materials this week.

The idea of identity plays a huge role in how we percieve the world, and how that identity is portrayed may play the biggest part in this. As I think back through Chinese history, I think of the cycles of unification and disunion that dot the timeline. As recently as the 1900s, China was still fractured and controlled by outside, Western influences. I see recent examples as a way of promoting the unity and harmony of the country through highlighting the good they are doing. Connecting it back to last week, the Belt and Road projects in Africa, combined with the significant pride Chinese tourist had seeing these projects, reinforce the ideas that China is not a stable force climbing to become the world power they see themselves. The media portraly in China supports the idea that China is a power on the rise, and the era of fracturing is ancient history.

 

When I think of the ambitions of China, it hinges on the promise that this generation will have a better life than their parents, and their children will have a better situation than themselves. The clip from Death of China reminded me of a video I use in Global Politics called American Factory on Netflix. The video focuses on Fuyao opening up a factory in Ohio that had been shut down during the 2008 recession. At first, the residents of the city see this as a blessing, providing more economic opportunities to the local area. However, it also highlights the cultural divide on work, with many of the American workers eventually being replaced with Chinese workers. I remember during it one of the Chiense workers talking about his idea of a bright future, owning his own house, having vacations, and overall living what we could closely associate with the "American Dream". I believe the idea of Chinese growth hinges on being able to continue to provide this dream to its citizens, and will call for more growth and resource need.

 

The final thing I was reminded of was the geographical differences in China. While the East/West divide was highlighted, I was reminded of a student project on the South-North Water Transfer project, in which China is trying to literally reshape the geography of the nation to support their population distribution. Planned for completion in 2050, it will eventually divert 44.8 billion cubic metres of water annually to the population centres of the drier north. I think this shows the ambition and determination for China to continue its rise and growth, no matter the circumstances.

[Brendon McGirr]

I found the idea of controlling the narrative across national borders very interesting as well. The idea of developing soft power among the diaspora is a facinating concept, and something I am curious to see evolve in the 21st century, as it is a very new concept.

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