China-US ideological conflict will intensify

Subject

Ideological conflict between China and the United States.

Significance

A leaked report from China’s intelligence community warns leaders of growing international hostility over the COVID-19 pandemic that risks military conflict with the United States. It also accuses Washington of attempting to destabilise Communist Party rule by fomenting public opposition.

Impacts

• The soft touch necessary for Beijing to win hearts and minds abroad will be undermined by the nationalist messages popular at home.
• US attempts to discredit the Party will not gain much traction with the Chinese public, who generally assume ulterior motives.
• Chinese propaganda about Western decline may resonate in developing countries, whose cooperation matters for the Belt and Road Initiative.