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The Crisis in Hong Kong Emerges as Key Messaging Theme for Chinese Media, Diplomats Across Africa

by Eric Olander
Riot police take part in a crowd dispersal operation in the Central district of Hong Kong on May 27, 2020, as the city's legislature debates over a law that bans insulting China's national anthem. ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP

Chinese diplomats, missions, and media across Africa have been steadily ramping up their messaging about Hong Kong in recent weeks in what appears to be a concerted effort to build support for Beijing’s handling of the ongoing political crisis in the territory.

China’s Deputy Chief of Mission & Political Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Lesotho, CQ Song, is among a large and growing number of Chinese diplomats in Africa using Twitter and other social media channels to rally support for Beijing’s policies in handling political unrest in Hong Kong.

What’s interesting here is that the crisis in Hong Kong is not an issue that resonates much with the overwhelming majority of African stakeholders who, other than the tiny kingdom of eSwatini, all publicly endorse the “One China Policy” and Beijing’s sovereignty over Hong Kong.

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