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Battling Over Social Media: Public Protest and State Responses concerning Dr Li Wenliang’s Death in China

Lai, Hongyi

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Authors

HONGYI LAI HONGYI.LAI@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Associate Professor



Abstract

This article conducts a case study regarding the reactions by the public and the state on the internet to the death of Dr Li Wenliang, a whistleblower revealing the Covid-19 outbreak in China. It addresses the ongoing debate in the literature regarding the role of the internet in the society-state interaction in China. Through this case study, the study argues that the society-state interaction over the internet is far more dynamic and complex than what has been acknowledged in the existing literature. This is so despite the ending of this interaction seemingly lends substantial support to the pessimistic and minority view that the autocratic state retains its capability and resilience in managing the internet. The internet could help rally waves of public outpours and protests. In response, the state could broadcast its tactical concessions on the internet to ease widespread public anger. However, through extensive news messages on social media, the state could still portray its overall epidemic control as highly effective and could thus claim political credits and legitimacy for governance.

Citation

Lai, H. (2021). Battling Over Social Media: Public Protest and State Responses concerning Dr Li Wenliang’s Death in China. East Asian Policy, 13(2), 36-48. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1793930521000118

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 4, 2021
Online Publication Date Jul 26, 2021
Publication Date 2021-06
Deposit Date May 5, 2021
Publicly Available Date Jul 1, 2022
Journal East Asian Policy
Print ISSN 1793-9305
Electronic ISSN 2251-3175
Publisher National University of Singapore, East Asian Institute
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 13
Issue 2
Pages 36-48
DOI https://doi.org/10.1142/S1793930521000118
Keywords protests, internet, social media, China, Covid-19, press freedom
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5511025
Publisher URL https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S1793930521000118
Additional Information Electronic version of an article published as Battling over Social Media: Public Protest and State Responses to Dr Li Wenliang’s Death in China
Hongyi LAI
East Asian Policy 2021 13:02, 36-48 https://doi.org/10.1142/S1793930521000118 © copyright World Scientific Publishing Company https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscinet/eap

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