Finding the origins of Covid-19

China’s strategic narratives in the pursuit of discourse power

Bibliographic Data

ID6430690
AuthorsAnnie Young Song (0000-0002-2530-1251, Yonsei University Mirae Campus, corresponding author), Ji-Wan Jung, Jiwan Jung (Seoul National University), Injoo Sohn (0000-0003-0753-6070, Seoul National University)
Year2025
Volume25
Issue3
Publication date2025-01-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Relations of the Asia-Pacific (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1470-482X • E-ISSN: 1470-4838
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/irap/lcaf008
OpenAlexW7105859121
LanguageEN
References cited12

This article examines how China leverages strategic narratives to exercise discourse power in the international arena. Following the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan in December 2019, China proactively shaped global narratives to advance its national interests, despite World Health Organization’s investigations into the virus’s origins. Text and document analysis show that China systematically changed its messaging from cooperation to contestation. This research advances the understanding of discourse power by identifying the mechanisms through which it is exercised, especially around contentious issues. It also expands the study of COVID-19 by highlighting China’s efforts to shape global narratives rather than focusing on domestic dynamics

China · Discourse analysis · Narrative · Narrative inquiry · Power (physics · Soft power · China's Socioeconomic Reforms and Governance · Global Security and Public Health · International Relations and Foreign Policy

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