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Staging Repentance: A Discourse Analysis of Mediated Confession in Xi Jinping’s First Five-Year Term
[journal article]
Abstract Since Xi Jinping took office as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, he has been tightening ideological control across many fronts. This article investigates how the framing of televised confessions facilitates Xi’s rule. Originating from the intra-Party disciplinary technique of self-c... view more
Since Xi Jinping took office as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, he has been tightening ideological control across many fronts. This article investigates how the framing of televised confessions facilitates Xi’s rule. Originating from the intra-Party disciplinary technique of self-criticism, the recent resurgence of mediated confessions reflects Xi’s pursued strategy in tackling social and political challenges. Applying critical discourse analysis to the case of the disappeared Swedish bookseller Gui Minhai, this paper shows the way in which the framing of Gui’s televised confession follows Xi’s so-called rule of law agenda and selectively appeals to traditional Chinese family values. The paper argues that the propaganda value of the televised confession from a little-known, non-Party confessant lies in its banality, which blends into the Party's everyday narration. The resurgence of confessions might suggest a regression towards Maoist-style campaigns, but more audience-oriented research is needed to address this issue fully.... view less
Keywords
China; head of state; communist party; political power; ideology; language; television; Far East
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Free Keywords
media framing; socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics; confession; Xi Jinping
Document language
English
Publication Year
2018
Page/Pages
p. 17-45
Journal
Journal of Current Chinese Affairs, 47 (2018) 3
Issue topic
State and Society under Xi Jinping
ISSN
1868-4874
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed