THE IMAGE OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN THE UNITED STATES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of Chinese struggles to maintain a positive image of the Middle Kingdom in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Based on the events of the first half of 2020, the confrontational tone in diplomatic and media communications that the Chinese authorities have taken towards the US has become noticeable, which resulted from the new strategy of President Xi Jinping. The implementation of the Chinese plan was primarily to reverse the situation by accusing the US army of triggering a global pandemic, increased activity in the field of Western social media with the involvement of Chinese diplomats, and then demonstrative promotion of Chinese assistance in fighting the pandemic. On the other hand, one may observe a pandemic that is progressing with the development of the mood, radicalization among Americans along with the development of the pandemic and the sharpening of rhetoric in the public debate. It went from an atmosphere of suspicion, slowly discovering new facts, formulating suspicions, to severe assessments and accusations, the consequences of which for American-Chinese relations remain unknown.