Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-04-10 23:25:46
In the realm of China policy, the concept of “de-risking” has garnered significant attention and discussion among policymakers since the G-7 leaders endorsed it in May of last year. This strategy involves reevaluating the intricate global supply chain with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at the forefront of discussions in key capitals such as Washington, Brussels, and Tokyo. However, while the focus has primarily been on vulnerabilities in the economic relationship with China, there is a critical blind spot that cannot be overlooked: the vulnerability of democratic societies and their non-governmental sectors.
Entities affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have infiltrated civil society groups worldwide, often providing financial support and exerting pressure on various organizations such as universities, researchers, media outlets, overseas Chinese communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The tactics employed by the PRC, including censorship, propaganda, transnational repression, and bribery, have a profound impact on these entities, undermining their independence and compromising their ability to operate freely.
While governments can implement laws and regulations to safeguard their economies from Chinese influence, the very existence of civil society in democratic nations depends on autonomy from government control. Without concerted efforts to protect civil society from CCP interference, the democratic fabric of these societies is at risk of being compromised. Any de-risking strategy that fails to address this crucial aspect will ultimately fall short of its intended goals.
Document No. 9, issued by the CCP a decade ago, provides insight into the Party’s vision for civil society in democracies. This directive rejected the legitimacy of civil society, media, and the free exchange of ideas that challenge the Party’s narrative. The CCP’s efforts to exert control over the media and knowledge sector, including universities and research institutions, have intensified over the years, stifling dissent and promoting the dominance of CCP ideology on Chinese campuses.
The repercussions of Document No. 9 and the CCP’s aggressive approach to civil society have extended beyond China’s borders, influencing global narratives and shaping public discourse in various countries. Through media expansion, content-sharing agreements, and coercion tactics, the CCP has sought to control the narrative about China on the international stage, often silencing dissenting voices and censoring unfavorable viewpoints.
Civil society plays a pivotal role in democracies, acting as a check on government power and promoting accountability and transparency. The independence of non-governmental organizations allows them to respond swiftly to societal needs and prevent the erosion of democratic norms. To support civil society effectively, governments must safeguard their autonomy, protect freedom of expression, and ensure their ability to operate without undue interference.
In the face of increasing pressure from the CCP, democracies must develop strategies to de-risk civil society from external influences and safeguard their independence. This calls for cross-sectoral collaboration, proactive outreach and awareness campaigns, and robust competition with China’s investments in non-governmental sectors. By strengthening their resilience and upholding democratic values, societies can mitigate the authoritarian impacts of external pressure and protect the integrity of their civil society.
As the CCP continues to target civil society both domestically and internationally, it is essential for governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to work together to defend democratic principles and uphold the autonomy of non-governmental entities. By taking decisive action to protect civil society from external pressures, democracies can affirm their commitment to freedom, transparency, and accountability in the face of authoritarian threats.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
