oiip

China’s influence on the Chinese diaspora in Vienna and the significance for democratic attitudes and integration

Large autocracies such as China and Russia aim to facilitate the spread of positive attitudes towards their models of governance, to protect themselves from criticism, and gain recognition of their systems as well as international influence. In influencing debates, they reach out to diaspora groups, seen as a leverage for shaping bilateral relations and a reservoir of qualified workers who could immigrate (back). Too much integration of the diaspora into European societies would weaken the regime’s narrative and deprive it of an important ally abroad. A significant starting point for influencing the diaspora is local-regional Chinese-language media – based in Vienna, Austria, and Europe. This study aims to analyse links of local-regional media with China’s party and state, as well as attitudes in the diaspora towards democracy and autocracy (for example, also in pandemic management), institutions in Vienna and Austria, and local participation.

Funding:             Stadt Wien

Duration:            7 months

Projejt lead oiip: Thomas Eder

Collaborator:      Kuan-Hsien Liu