China-US ideological conflict will intensify

Subject Ideological conflict between China and the United States. Significance A leaked report from China’s intelligence community warns leaders of growing international hostility over the COVID-19 pandemic that risks military conflict with the United States. It also accuses Washington of attempting to destabilise Communist Party rule by fomenting public opposition. Impacts The soft touch necessary for Beijing to win hearts and minds abroad will be undermined by the nationalist messages popular at home. US attempts to discredit the Party will not gain much traction with the Chinese public, who generally assume ulterior motives. Chinese propaganda about Western decline may resonate in developing countries, whose cooperation matters for the Belt and Road Initiative.