China's Propaganda Machinery Activated

President Xi Jinping is often described as the most powerful Chinese president since President Mao Zedong. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has dented his popularity in his own country. In a desperate attempt to regain credibility, Xi Jinping has employed the state propaganda machine to portray him as the president of the people. The Chinese state media has created a video from Xi's inspection visits in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic to portray Xi as a mass leader who puts his people first. China's ambition of becoming a global power is often tied to Xi's personal goals and Xi's ability to project strength on the global stage. This requires him to have absolute control over China. President Xi is currently facing challenges in the form of protests in Hong Kong and international criticism over the delay in publishing critical COVID-19 information. This new PR exercise aims to tighten Xi's grip over his country.