|
Dilemmas and Breakthroughs in China’s International Communication in the “America First” 2.0 Era
|
Abstract:
This paper takes the “America First” 2.0 era as its research context, adopts the analytical framework of the Prisoner’s Dilemma, combines case studies with theoretical deduction, reveals the logic of cooperation and confrontation in the international communication game between China and the United States, explores the strategic dilemmas and breakthrough pathways faced by China’s international communication, and proposes international communication strategies meeting the needs of global governance. The innovation of this study lies in introducing game theory into international communication research, providing theoretical support for the Chinese narrative, and offering practical reference value for promoting a new international communication order. The research shows that China is faced with threefold dilemmas: the contradiction between cooperation willingness and competition pressure, the differences in discourse systems and cultural identities, and the trust crisis in multilateral cooperation. It is found that the Prisoner’s Dilemma model can effectively explain the deep-seated contradictions in the current Sino-US international communication game, and breaking through these dilemmas requires constructing a dialogue framework for Sino-US international communication, building communication platforms for telling Chinese stories well, and actively carrying out multilateral international development cooperation.
[1] | Chen, H., & Zhang, W. Q, (2024). Conflict and Cooperation: Reconstructing the International Communication and Exchange Relationship through Strategic Communication. China Communication, No. 6, 51-55. (In Chinese) |
[2] | Chou, Z. J. (2020). From Transformation to Crisis: The Impact of “America First” on the International Order. International Review, 12, 46-65, 155. (In Chinese) |
[3] | Lan, L. (2025). The Practical Approach to Telling Chinese Stories Well and Shaping China’s Image. Journal of North China University of Science and Technology (Social Science Edition), 25, 20-23. (In Chinese) |
[4] | Li, Z. (2023). International Communication. China Renmin University Press. (In Chinese) |
[5] | Liu, J. G. (2024). A Study on the Prisoner’s Dilemma Model Path for the Overseas Communication of Traditional Cultures such as Confucianism. Culture and Communication, 9, 37-42. (In Chinese) |
[6] | Min, J. H. (2024). Key Contents and Implications of “U.S. Priority Foreign Policy 2.0”. National Institute of Diplomacy and Security, No. 5, 1-8. (In Korean) |
[7] | The Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China (2025). Wang Yi, the Special Representative of President Xi Jinping, Attends the United Nations Future Summit. (In Chinese) https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202409/content_6976292.htm |
[8] | Tian, W. L. (2024). The Future Summit Calls for Multilateral Cooperation. Contemporary World, No. 10, 76-77. (In Chinese) |
[9] | United Nations Global Center for Big Data in Statistics and Data Science (2025). GDP Data from Countries around the World Over the Years. (In Chinese) https://unbdc.stats.gov.cn/zt/gjtjsj/sjcx/ |
[10] | Wu, F. (2025). Building a More Effective International Communication System with Common Concepts. (In Chinese) https://www.rmzxw.com.cn/c/2025-02-10/3675993.shtml |
[11] | Zhang, H. Y. (2021). Research on the Network Public Opinion Guidance Mechanism (pp. 10-14). China Ocean Press. (In Chinese) |
[12] | Zhang, K. P. (2017). The Deep-Rooted Motivations of Trump’s “America First” Policy and Its Impacts on China. Peace and Development, No. 6, 45-59, 126. (In Chinese) |