In Italy, China is no longer thought of as the origin of COVID-19, but as a friend in a time of dire need.
Italy has been an alluring geopolitical prize throughout the ages because of its strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean, its wealth, and the useful skills of its people. Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio posted a video of the arrival of the supply-laden aircraft on his Facebook page. It was an information and public diplomacy triumph for China — when Italy needed help, Europe dithered while the PRC was portrayed as Italy’s savior. This was sent by Chinese provinces including Zhejiang, which has a large immigrant community in Italy. Other donations by Chinese companies went to Italian regions and towns that host their Italian counterparts.
This article was written by Theresa Fallon
To read the full article, please click on the following link: https://thediplomat.com/2020/03/china-italy-and-coronavirus-geopolitics-and-propaganda/
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