The development of China's digital nationalism: state-user interaction and the discourse on Pelosi's visit to Taiwan

Abstract

The rise of digital nationalism in the Chinese cyberspace has attracted considerable attention in recent years, with various scholars positing that the digital amplification of nationalism may ultimately push Beijing towards a more aggressive stance on the international stage. While this is certainly a possible outcome, is this necessarily the only outcome of China’s digital nationalism? This paper thus critically examines whether – and to what extent – the state can exert control over digital nationalism. This is done by conducting a case study analysis of how state-user interactions shaped the development of digital nationalist discourse surrounding US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August 2022. Ultimately, it contends that the Chinese state has retained significant ability to manage digital nationalist sentiment through a combination of policy and discursive responses. Critical discourse analysis of online political discussions demonstrates the emergence of four distinct nationalist narratives: belligerent nationalism, disappointment in the state, opposition to belligerent rhetoric, and faith in the government. This fragmentation of discourse highlights that while digital technologies have increased the unpredictability of nationalist politics, both citizens and the state are developing new modes of conduct in shaping digital nationalism. A more nuanced understanding of state-user interactions in the Chinese cyberspace not only sheds new light on the extent of state control over digital nationalism, but may also facilitate the promotion of constructive interstate dialogue and peaceful foreign relations.