Defending China\u2019s National Image and \u2018Defensive Soft Power\u2019: the Case of Hong Kong\u2019s \u2018Umbrella Revolution\u2019

Dylan Loh

doi:10.1007/s11366-016-9419-x

Dylan Loh

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11366-016-9419-x

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Abstract

This study examines the pro-democracy protests of Hong Kong in 2014 and how the protests became sites for Beijing’s representations of Chinese national image(s). It argues that ‘defensive soft power’ can be used to understand the process through which Beijing made such representations and projections. ‘Defensive soft power’, extending on Nye’s soft power is operationally defined as the reactionary activities taken in response to actions that harm or potentially harm a country’s national image. Based on an analysis of the data drawn from three mainland news media, several perceptions of China emerge - China as a victim; China as ‘reasonable’ power; and China as benign and tolerant leader in the China-Hong Kong relation. This research highlights the ‘Umbrella Revolution’ as an instance where ‘defensive soft power’ was used to (1) fend off negative national images and (2) project positive national images. Mapping out the process of national image defence will enable readers to better understand a sovereign state’s strategies to defend attacks on and promote positive perceptions of its national image.

Highlights

One of the main Hong Kong protest movements of 2014, known popularly as the ‘Umbrella Revolution’, was a series of protests that began in September 2014 and ended in mid-December that same year
Activities undertaken under the rubric of ‘national image’ can be ‘defensive’9 as well as ‘offensive’,10 or a combination of both
This reactionary, defensive media response is not something new [17] and many scholars have pointed out the anti-Western, nationalistic nature of media in China11; what is lacking, though, is an investigation into the outcomes of such defensive media moves; a conceptual framework to account for these activities under the ambit of national image; and the effects it has on this national image

Summary

Introduction

One of the main Hong Kong protest movements of 2014, known popularly as the ‘Umbrella Revolution’, was a series of protests that began in September 2014 and ended in mid-December that same year. Drawing on an analysis of three major news outlets, this paper establishes that, in reaction to negative press coverage, there is a concerted attempt to present and articulate, through the media, an image of China that its leaders want to reinforce and project How this image projection is articulated and promoted is important because it adds to the understanding of China’s ‘soft power’ and the extent to which it is willing to wield it and shape perceptions of its rise. In the case of the Hong Kong protests, much of the media reaction sanctioned by the state was a reaction against the perceived negative ‘attack’ and criticism of China This reactionary, defensive media response is not something new [17] and many scholars have pointed out the anti-Western, nationalistic nature of media in China; what is lacking, though, is an investigation into the outcomes of such defensive media moves; a conceptual framework to account for these activities under the ambit of national image; and the effects it has on this national image.

84. New York

Findings

Conclusion