CHINA'S FOREIGN POLICY AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF CORONAVIRUS

The article deals with the PRC's foreign policy and propaganda during the coronavirus pandemics. In accordance with statements by highest authorities the Chinese foreign policy and propaganda departments insist on the "undisputed superiority of the guidance by the CPC and socialism with Chinese characteristics". At the beginning of the pandemics the Chinese side condemned restrictions on the exchanges with China being introduced by some other countries, tried to exert pressure upon them, claimed that "complete closure of the borders is not an effective method for countering the infection". Further on Beijing began to copy their methods condemned earlier. That time a wave of nationalism and xenophobia raised in China. The rights of the foreign citizens were abused. As it became clear that the Chinese authorities had covered up the time of the pandemics' beginning and its dimensions, some countries began to blame the PRC government for negligence and demand an investigation. China, on her part, claimed that the origins of the coronavirus is a scientific problem which needs further studies. As to demands for damage compensation by China to other countries, this is "a shame for civilization". A report by the Chinese academy of contemporary international relations leaked to Western media warns that global anti-China sentiment is at its highest since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. According to the article, it could not be ruled out that in the near future Beijing could face "united front" of Western countries and Japan. It is possible that in the future many countries could make a point to develop their own economy at the expense of "global supply chains". Beijing is alarmed by such a prospect. China as a big winner of globalization in previous decades in the new circumstances may turn out as a loser.