A Chinese newspaper article titled “Xi Jinping — a Champion” presents the Chinese President as a visionary leader who fosters global cultural dialogue and promotes the mutual learning of civilizations. The article heavily emphasizes Xi’s intellectual curiosity, diplomatic efforts, and commitment to cultural exchange. However, a critical analysis reveals significant propaganda, selective framing, and misleading narratives that serve to glorify Xi Jinping and China’s global initiatives while downplaying geopolitical tensions and criticisms from the international community.
1. Framing and Propaganda Techniques Used
The article employs multiple propaganda and framing techniques to shape public perception. These include:
1.1. Heroic Narrative Construction
The article constructs a larger-than-life image of Xi Jinping, portraying him as a wise, well-read leader with an unmatched understanding of global civilizations. It states:
“The well-preserved letter reflects Xi’s broader vision of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and mutual learning as a catalyst for global peace and development.”
By framing Xi as a champion of peace and development, the article aligns his leadership with universally accepted virtues, making any criticism of him appear unjustified or politically motivated.
1.2. Selective Historical References to Legitimacy
The article strategically references ancient Chinese philosophers and poets, such as Du Fu, as intellectual inspirations for Xi Jinping:
“He possessed a composed and rational demeanor, immersing himself in extensive reading and profound contemplation.”
By associating Xi with historical intellectual figures, the article seeks to enhance his credibility and create an aura of wisdom, despite the lack of evidence linking his policies to such intellectual traditions.
1.3. Emphasizing China’s Cultural Superiority
The article highlights China’s cultural diplomacy through initiatives like the Belt and Road cultural exchanges and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), stating:
“China’s global initiatives, including the GCI, advocate for an egalitarian and inclusive order in pursuit of just and coherent global governance.”
However, the reality is that China’s cultural and diplomatic outreach is often accompanied by economic and political interests, particularly in the Global South, where infrastructure projects have led to significant debt burdens for several countries.
1.4. Misrepresentation of Western Perspectives
The article criticizes Western scholars and politicians for promoting a “clash of civilizations” narrative while presenting Xi Jinping as the sole advocate for cultural harmony:
“In recent years, some scholars and politicians in the West have been peddling once again the clash of civilizations theory… while the global deficits in peace, security, development and governance are growing ever larger.”
This statement is misleading as it generalizes Western perspectives and ignores China’s own aggressive nationalist rhetoric, military expansionism in the South China Sea, and human rights concerns, such as the repression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
2. Fake and Misleading Claims
2.1. The Global Civilization Initiative as a Unifying Force
The article suggests that the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) is a purely benevolent program that fosters global unity. However, this claim omits the geopolitical reality that China uses such initiatives to expand its soft power and counter Western influence, particularly among developing nations.
- Fact: The GCI has been criticized for being an extension of China’s broader geopolitical ambitions, using cultural diplomacy to reinforce authoritarian models of governance.
2.2. Xi Jinping’s Role in Global Peace
The article presents Xi Jinping as a peacemaker, stating:
“Xi’s vision — to build a world where civilizations don’t collide but converse — has become ever more relevant.”
- Fact: This claim overlooks China’s territorial disputes with India, Taiwan, and countries in the South China Sea, as well as its strategic support for authoritarian regimes such as Russia and North Korea, contradicting the image of a peace-promoting leader.
2.3. Depiction of Xi as an Intellectual Leader
The article emphasizes Xi’s literary background and intellectual curiosity by citing his reading of classical literature and history. While it is plausible that Xi has an appreciation for literature, the portrayal of him as an intellectual leader is inconsistent with China’s record on academic freedom and censorship.
- Fact: Under Xi’s leadership, China has intensified censorship, suppressed academic freedom, and imprisoned dissidents, including professors and intellectuals who criticize the government.
3. Key Omissions and Concealed Realities
3.1. Human Rights Violations
The article does not mention China’s human rights abuses, including the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, suppression of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, and censorship of free speech. These issues undermine the credibility of Xi Jinping as a champion of cultural exchange and mutual respect.
3.2. Geopolitical Aggression
While the article promotes China as a unifying force, it deliberately omits China’s territorial disputes, military build-up in the South China Sea, and strained relations with Taiwan and India.
3.3. Economic Manipulation through Cultural Diplomacy
Although the article praises China’s cultural diplomacy, it does not acknowledge that China’s international partnerships often come with economic and political conditions, such as debt dependency through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Chinese newspaper article “Xi Jinping — a Champion” is a clear example of state-sponsored propaganda designed to shape both domestic and international perceptions of Xi Jinping as a benevolent and intellectual global leader. Through strategic framing, selective storytelling, and omissions of critical realities, the article seeks to position China as a superior civilization while downplaying its geopolitical controversies.
