NEWS//COVID-19 rewrite?

China is attempting to shine the most flattering light on its fight against COVID-19, news sources say.

Axios.com claims, “We're getting a glimpse of how China's formidable propaganda apparatus can obscure the truth and change narratives abroad, just as it can at home.” 

It is in China’s best interest to deflect or rewrite how it handled COVID-19 not only because of the virus’ impact on world health, but, even more, because of the virus’ impact on the world’s economy. China stands to lose standing on the global stage if it is blamed for worldwide recession. 

Consequently, social media and traditional media are being used by Chinese spokespeople to provide alternative narratives. For example,

“Though the COVID-19 was first discovered in China, it does not mean that it originated from China" (Zhong Nanshan, a scientist helping lead the government response). 

"Journalists are politicizing the coronavirus by suggesting it originated in China" (The Chinese Embassy in Canberra, Australia).

"China’s endeavor to combating the epidemic has bought time for int’l preparedness" (China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

• However Axios says: “The Chinese government's cover-up of the virus allowed it to spread unchecked in Wuhan for weeks, including among the 5 million city residents who left the city without being screened, leading to a national epidemic and inevitably to its spread outside China.”

• The Washington Times says, “Immediately following the virus outbreak in late December 2019, Chinese officials in Wuhan withheld warnings from their citizens, downplayed the threat, and punished brave medical staffers who — true to their Hippocratic Oath — tried to sound the alarm.” 

This week China's President Xi Jinping took a tour of Wuhan, where the virus originated. He congratulated medical workers on treating the city’s citizens. However, rather than meeting with those workers, he conveyed his gratitude over a video link. Xi’s celebration of China’s efforts against COVID-19 demonstrates that he sees opportunities to rewrite the negative press his country has received. 

CNN claims Xi must find a way to turn the COVID-19 into a victory for China.  “Everything is at stake for him: his political leadership at home, China's economy, its position as a world power and ultimately Xi's own strut on the world stage.”

Sources:  Axios, CNN, Washington Times