COVID-19 and China's Changing Soft Power in Italy

Area of Science:

• International Relations
• Public Diplomacy
• Soft Power Studies

Background:

• Previous research on China's COVID-19 aid in Europe primarily focused on "mask diplomacy" and geopolitical implications.
• Existing studies often lack country-specific analyses and overlook the domestic role of China's public diplomacy.
• The broader European media portrayal of China's aid has often been negative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of China's COVID-19 aid on its soft power in Italy.
• To analyze media coverage of China's COVID-19 aid in Italian national newspapers.
• To explore the relationship between increased visibility and public perception of China.

Main Methods:

• Content analysis of secondary data from Italy's main national newspapers.
• Focus on news reports concerning China's COVID-19-related aid between March and April 2020.
• Assessment of media portrayal and visibility of Chinese aid.

Main Results:

• Unlike negative portrayals in other European media, China's aid in Italy was often positively covered.
• China's COVID-19 aid significantly increased its visibility in Italy during the pandemic's initial phase.
• Increased media visibility correlated with a more positive perception of China among Italians.

Conclusions:

• China's COVID-19 aid enhanced its visibility and positive perception in Italy.
• While not a direct increase in soft power, aid boosted China's image as a responsible global leader.
• China's approach to soft power and overseas aid is evolving, serving both international and domestic objectives.