From Platforms to Perceptions: The Role of Social Media in Shaping China-Related Discourse in Central Europe

This paper investigates the dissemination of China-related narratives on social media and their impact on public opinion in the Visegrad Four (V4) countries—Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland. As the influence of foreign actors on domestic political communication intensifies, this study focuses on how China-related narratives are communicated and amplified across various platforms. The research specifically tracks a wide range of stakeholders, including Chinese state media, government representatives, members of parliament (MPs), members of the European Parliament (MEPs), relevant media outlets, and local influencers with known ties to China or tendencies to engage with alternative narratives. The analysis is based on data collected using the AI-powered Gerulata Juno platform from popular social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Telegram, and VKontakte. These platforms are central to public discourse in the region and provide a diverse environment for the spread of China-related narratives. By examining short-term trends, the research aims to identify the key narratives, dissemination strategies, and actors involved, while also assessing the influence of international events, such as geopolitical conflicts and elections, on narrative formation. Special attention is given to recurring topics in China’s external communication priorities, including broader themes of foreign policy and governance. To assess the extent to which these online narratives shape public opinion, the study incorporates public opinion polls conducted across the V4 countries. These polls measure the degree to which social media messaging influences perceptions of China-related issues, providing rare insights into how online communication translates into public sentiment. While direct causality between social media narratives and public opinion shifts is difficult to establish, this approach sheds light on the correlation between communication on digital platforms and changes in public attitudes. This paper contributes to the broader discussion on the role of political communication in shaping public opinion in the context of foreign influence. By analyzing the interplay between social media narratives and public perception, the study offers valuable insights for policymakers and researchers aiming to understand how foreign information campaigns affect the political landscape in Central Europe. The findings will inform strategies for mitigating the impact of foreign narratives on domestic political discourse and enhancing the resilience of public opinion in democratic societies.