Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

The China-Mediterranean Observer: COVID-19 Rattles an Already Volatile Region

A paramedic of SAMU Tunisia (Urgent Medical Aid Service), dressed in personal protective equipment (PPE) as a measure of protection against the COVID-19 coronavirus disease, heads out to treat a COVID-19 patient in the capital Tunis on April 6, 2020. FETHI BELAID / AFP

As cases of COVID-19 have increased, the pandemic has accordingly become the main topic of discussion in the media of the wider Mediterranean region as many are worried about the health and economic damages that it will cause. Indeed, regardless of the geographical position, there has emerged a region-wide consensus that the pandemic broke out in a moment of extreme social and economic fragility. It is against this background that China is, for some, a savior and, for others, a cynical power.

Anti-Chinese Backlash in Southern Europe

In general criticism against China—either regarding how it managed the outbreak of COVID-19 or for problems related to its assistance to other countries—is more widespread in Southern Europe, though we found very blunt attacks also in North African and Middle Eastern newspapers. Unsurprisingly, given the substantial attention observed by Chinese and Western media, Italy is one of the countries where the debate on the coronavirus is most closely connected to the discussion related to the country’s relations with China. The Chinese embassy in Rome has made significant public relations efforts in order to show how quick and effective is Chinese solidarity. As the Chinese ambassador Li Junhua emphasized, this is a special year for the Sino-Italian relations (the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations) and China wants to express its support for Italy. Yet, as it has happened before, Italian journalists have questioned the sincerity of Chinese help and consequently attacked politicians, like Foreign Affairs Minister Luigi Di Maio, that have praised China. The Minister, in particular, was criticized for having fallen prey to Chinese propaganda, trying to take credit for the arrival of Chinese gears that, in reality, had been bought.

Lead the Conversation on China

Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to The China-Global South Project

Check Out Everything You'll Get With Your Subscription

The China-Global South Daily Brief delivered to your inbox at 6AM Washington time

Full access to exclusive news and analysis from editors based in the Global South

Transcripts of CGSP’s twice-weekly podcasts

Students and teachers with a valid .edu email address are eligible for a 50% discount off monthly or yearly subscriptions. Email us to receive a discount code.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.