China’s message to the global south
A new propaganda push: “universal values” are a form of racism
To turn on its head a cliché of China analysis, Communist Party leaders may soon learn that behind tempting opportunities, a potential crisis lurks. With each month that the war in Ukraine grinds on, officials in Beijing see new chances to rally and lead an anti-Western bloc formed of low- and middle-income countries. These states blame America and its allies for prolonging the conflict, which is causing energy and food prices to soar worldwide. China’s actions carry risks, for it has no interest in burning all bridges with the West. Still, officials seem unable to resist.
This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “The message to the global south”
From the July 8th 2023 edition
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