Written By In the midst of the global Covid-19 pandemic, there has been much debate and speculation surrounding the origins of the virus and the response of various governments around the world. However, one aspect that has received less attention is the role of Chinese censorship in shaping the narrative surrounding the pandemic.
Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Wuhan, China, the Chinese government has been accused of silencing whistleblowers and censoring information about the virus. Doctors and citizens who attempted to raise the alarm about the virus were silenced, while journalists who reported on the outbreak were reprimanded or punished.
The Chinese government’s efforts to control information about the pandemic have not been limited to its own citizens. The government has also used its influence to shape the international narrative about the virus. Chinese officials have pushed back against criticism of their handling of the pandemic, accusing Western countries of spreading misinformation and politicizing the issue.
This effort to control the narrative has been aided by China’s extensive censorship apparatus. The Chinese government has invested heavily in its “Great Firewall,” a system of online censorship and surveillance that allows it to control what its citizens can see and say online. The government has also used its economic clout to pressure foreign companies to censor content that it deems sensitive.
One example of this is the case of the American video game company Activision Blizzard. In 2019, a player in a tournament for one of the company’s games expressed support for the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The company responded by banning the player and firing the two commentators who interviewed him. The move was widely seen as an attempt to appease the Chinese government, which is a major market for the video game industry.
This kind of self-censorship by foreign companies is just one way that China’s influence is felt in shaping the Covid-19 narrative. China has also used its diplomatic power to push for a positive portrayal of its response to the pandemic in international media. In March 2020, China’s ambassador to the UK wrote an article for The Times claiming that China’s response to the virus had been “decisive, effective and responsible.”
China’s efforts to control the narrative around Covid-19 raise important questions about the role of censorship in a globalized world. While some argue that China’s censorship is necessary to maintain social stability and protect the country’s sovereignty, others argue that it is a violation of basic human rights and a threat to global democracy.
Regardless of one’s opinion on the issue, it is clear that China’s censorship has had a significant impact on the Covid-19 narrative. The extent of this impact is difficult to measure, but it is clear that the Chinese government has been successful in shaping the way the pandemic is perceived both within and outside its borders.
In conclusion, the hidden hand of Chinese censorship in shaping the Covid-19 narrative is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. As journalists, it is our responsibility to report on this issue accurately and impartially, while also upholding the principles of free speech and transparency that are essential to a democratic society.
