Title: Influence of network public opinion on China's diplomatic decision-making

Authors: Shumin Su

Addresses: Department of International Politics, Beijing International Studies University, 100024, China

Abstract: As a form of expression of social public opinion, network public opinion refers to the influential and tendentious speeches and viewpoints held by the public and released through the internet concerning hot spots in the real life. Network public opinion is direct, random, unexpected, concealed and biased. With the quick development of the internet in China, network public opinion becomes increasingly influential and it also affects diplomatic decision-making. Network public opinion has promoted the democratisation of China's diplomatic decision-making. Furthermore, it can also set diplomatic topics, bring about social movements and support the strong statements of the Chinese Government in the diplomatic field. However, since network public opinion is often emotional, irrational and extreme, it can easily restrict and even obstruct the foreign policies of a state. The Chinese Government shall adopt positive measures to reduce the negative influence of network public opinion.

Keywords: network public opinion; China; diplomacy; diplomatic decision making; influence; internet; foreign policy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRCS.2015.069236

International Journal of Human Rights and Constitutional Studies, 2015 Vol.3 No.1, pp.19 - 30

Received: 24 Jan 2015
Accepted: 26 Jan 2015
Published online: 05 May 2015 *

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