China's Pandemic Power Play

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership has not recalibrated its strategic goals in light of the covid-19 pandemic. It remains set on seeing China take center stage in world affairs and sees the current global disarray as an opportunity to further advance CCP objectives. To that end, the CCP is using old tricks from its usual playbook. It is attempting to cultivate external perceptions of China as a positive force, centered around themes of responsibility and generosity. At the same time, it continues to promote the "community of shared future" and the Belt and Road Initiative, while maneuvering within international institutions.