An in-depth investigation into China’s Soft Power Propaganda Network, exploring how state-run media outlets like CGTN, Xinhua News Agency, and Global Times, along with Chinese Cinema, TV Series, Ultra Short Dramas, AI-generated content and influencer-driven channels, shape global perceptions and advance the Chinese Communist Party’s geopolitical agenda.
China’s international media presence plays a pivotal role in amplifying its reach and reinforcing its soft power propaganda network globally. State-run media outlets like China Global Television Network (CGTN) and Xinhua News Agency broadcast in multiple languages, targeting diverse audiences worldwide. For instance, CGTN offers channels in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian, ensuring China’s narratives reach a broad spectrum of viewers. Additionally, CGTN’s specialized channels, such as CGTN Turk and CGTN Hausa, operate on popular social media platforms like Facebook and X, further expanding their influence. Xinhua News Agency, dubbed “The World’s Biggest Propaganda Machine” by Reporters Without Borders, is a cornerstone of this strategy. It operates globally, providing content in multiple languages while subsidizing coverage costs to ensure widespread dissemination of Chinese viewpoints. Xinhua’s CNC World, a 24-hour English-language news channel, is designed to offer a favorable view of China, countering foreign media narratives. Moreover, China’s media outlets are available across numerous cable and satellite providers worldwide, making channels like CCTV-4 and CGTN accessible in various regions. This global media network allows China to strategically influence international perceptions, particularly in countries with significant Chinese-speaking populations and in regions where China’s economic interests are strong. For instance, the Global Times, another Chinese state-run outlet, receives significant traffic (average 104.6K monthly organic visits) from countries like India (30%), the United States (27%), and Australia (7%), illustrating the global reach of China’s media apparatus. China Daily, another key player in China’s international media strategy, further amplifies the country’s global soft power. With an organic traffic of 44.8K monthly visits, it reaches a significant audience, particularly in Western and Asian countries. The majority of its readership comes from the United States, accounting for 43% of the traffic, followed by India (9%), Australia (7%), Singapore (6%), and Malaysia (5%). China Daily publishes content in English, making it accessible to a global audience and allowing China to shape international perspectives on various issues. Through these extensive media channels, China effectively promotes its political and cultural narratives, aligning global content with its ideological goals and enhancing its soft power influence on the world stage. Propaganda by Xinhua: Key Examples Xinhua News Agency, as China’s largest and most influential state-run news organization, has been at the forefront of disseminating propaganda that aligns with the Chinese government’s narratives on various contentious issues. During the 2017 Doklam standoff, Xinhua released a satirical video titled “Seven Sins of India,” which portrayed India in a derogatory manner, sparking accusations of racism and anti-Indian sentiment. In 2019, during the Hong Kong protests, Xinhua’s biased portrayal of the protests as violent and illegitimate led to Twitter banning state-sponsored media from ad purchases. Xinhua’s role in spreading propaganda became even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it downplayed the virus’s threat and emphasized China’s response while ignoring early cover-ups and public discontent. Additionally, Xinhua has been involved in promoting disinformation during the Russian -Ukraine war by supporting pro-Kremlin narratives through digital ads on Facebook. These examples underscore Xinhua’s role in advancing the Chinese government’s propaganda efforts on a global scale. CGTN and Its Role in Chinese Propaganda China Global Television Network (CGTN) is a key player in the Chinese government’s global media strategy, acting as the international arm of China Central Television (CCTV). Controlled by the Central Propaganda Department of the Chinese Communist Party, CGTN broadcasts in multiple languages and aims to promote China’s narratives to a global audience. Over the years, CGTN has been embroiled in various controversies, including the detention of Australian journalist Cheng Lei on national security grounds and its dissemination of disinformation regarding COVID-19. The network has also faced criticism for its biased coverage of significant geopolitical events, such as the 2019 Hong Kong protests, the Russian -Ukraine war, and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant discharge. These incidents highlight CGTN’s role in spreading Chinese state propaganda, often facing pushback from international regulators. For instance, the United States designated CGTN as a foreign mission, and the UK revoked its broadcasting license in 2021 due to concerns over editorial independence and political control. CGTN’s YouTube Network and Its Global Reach CGTN’s YouTube network is a significant component of its international media presence, leveraging the platform to reach diverse audiences across the globe. The main CGTN channel boasts 3.14 million subscribers, making it the flagship of the network. Other regional and language-specific channels, such as CGTN Africa with 884K subscribers and CGTN Español with 530K subscribers, highlight CGTN’s tailored approach to different markets. The network also includes specialized channels like CGTN Sports Scene (175K subscribers) and CGTN Documentary (9.5K subscribers), further expanding its reach and influence. With content available in multiple languages, including Arabic (588K subscribers) and French (457K subscribers), CGTN’s YouTube channels play a crucial role in disseminating content that aligns with China’s global narratives, making it a vital part of the country’s soft power strategy. Channel Name Subscriber Count CGTN 3.14M CGTN Europe 448K CGTN America 707K CGTN Africa 884K CGTN Documentary 9.5K CGTN Arabic 588K CGTN Global Watch 6.04K CGTN BIZ 2.58K CGTN Sports Scene 175K CGTN Podcasts 3.23K CGTN Global Business 8.14K CGTN Français 457K CGTN UN 193 CGTN Español 530K CGTN на русском 289K The CGTN Soft Power Network with the Subscriber Count Here is a case study of two of its prominent YouTube Channels: YouTube Channel: CGTN Arabic CGTN Arabic, formerly CCTV-Arabic, is an Arabic-language television channel under the China Global Television Network, a subsidiary of China Central Television. The channel serves as a propaganda arm of the Chinese government, disseminating content that aligns with the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) agenda. It aims to shape perceptions of China in the Arabic-speaking world, often countering Western narratives and promoting a sanitized image of China, including controversial areas like Xinjiang. Key Propaganda Themes 1. Propaganda to Whitewash Xinjiang’s Image: 2. Promoting China’s Global Influence: 3. Bashing Western Media and Policies: 4. Promoting Chinese Culture and Economic Achievements: 5. Positive Spin on Controversial Issues: Community Engagement In recent years, CGTN Arabic’s community posts have frequently bashed…
Key Themes in Chinese Propaganda on Tibet 1. Historical Claims and Territorial Integrity: The Chinese government emphasizes that Tibet has been an integral part of China for centuries, asserting historical claims to justify its sovereignty over the region. Television series and documentaries often depict Tibet’s integration into China as a harmonious and beneficial union. 2. Economic Development and Modernization: Chinese media frequently highlights the economic development and modernization efforts in Tibet, portraying the CCP as the benefactor responsible for improving living standards and infrastructure in the region. This narrative emphasizes advancements in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities provided by the Chinese government. 3. Cultural Preservation and Promotion: While promoting the preservation of Tibetan culture, Chinese propaganda often presents a sanitized and state-approved version of Tibetan traditions and religious practices. This narrative downplays or ignores restrictions on religious freedom and cultural expression imposed by Chinese authorities. 4. Stability and Unity: Chinese media underscores the importance of stability and unity in Tibet, depicting any form of dissent or protest as disruptive and harmful. This theme aims to legitimize the Chinese government’s strict security measures and policies in the region. 5. Counter-Narratives to International Criticism: In response to international criticism regarding human rights abuses and cultural repression in Tibet, Chinese propaganda seeks to counter these allegations by showcasing content that portrays a peaceful, prosperous, and contented Tibetan society under Chinese rule. Films set in Tibet are used to promote the CCP’s vision of ethnic unity and the benefits of Chinese policies in the region. Examples of propaganda in this context include: Serf (Jiangpin, 1963) This film presents a narrative that justifies China’s presence in Tibet by portraying the old Tibetan society as a feudal, oppressive system where serfs were exploited by the ruling class. The movie depicts the Chinese Communist Party as liberators who brought freedom and prosperity to the Tibetan people, reinforcing the official Chinese narrative of liberating Tibet from a backward and repressive system. Red River Valley (红河谷, 1997) This historical drama set during the British invasion of Tibet in 1904 portrays Tibetans and Han Chinese joining forces to resist foreign aggression. The film emphasizes themes of unity between Tibetans and Chinese, suggesting that Tibet is an integral part of China. It downplays Tibetan autonomy and presents the Chinese as protectors of Tibet against Western imperialism. The Secret of Tibet (西藏密宗, 1988) This film depicts Tibet as a land shrouded in mystery and superstition, emphasizing the need for Chinese intervention to bring progress and modernity to the region. The portrayal of Tibetan Buddhism is often negative, showing it as a tool of oppression, reinforcing the narrative that Chinese control has modernized and improved Tibet. Seven Years in Tibet (西藏七年, 1997) While this is a Hollywood film, it was banned in China for its sympathetic portrayal of Tibet and the Dalai Lama. In response, Chinese state media criticized the film heavily, claiming it distorted history and glorified Tibetan feudalism, further reinforcing the Chinese government’s narrative that such depictions are misleading and politically motivated. Pathfinder (寻找成龙, 2009) This film, while more of an adventure story, contains elements of propaganda by subtly promoting the idea of a unified China, including Tibet, under Chinese governance. The film highlights the journey of a young boy across various regions of China, including Tibet, and portrays Tibetan characters as supportive of Chinese rule. Phurbu & Tenzin (普布和丹增, 2006) This film tells the story of two Tibetan boys who find their way in life through education provided by the Chinese government. It portrays Chinese intervention as beneficial, emphasizing the opportunities provided by the state while ignoring issues of cultural suppression and the resistance to Chinese rule in Tibet. Tibet Sky (西藏天空, 2014) The film traces the changes in Tibet from the 1950s to the 1970s, presenting the Chinese government’s policies as modernizing and liberating for Tibetans. It depicts the older Tibetan society as deeply flawed and unjust, and it reinforces the narrative that Chinese governance brought progress and development to Tibet, glossing over the resistance and cultural erosion faced by Tibetans. The story of a serf-born Tibetan The story of a serf-born Tibetan being showcased in Chinese media is another clear example of propaganda designed to glorify the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) narrative about Tibet. These stories often depict Tibetans who were born into serfdom as oppressed and impoverished until the arrival of the Chinese liberators. The narrative typically follows their transformation from a life of hardship under the so-called feudal Tibetan system to one of prosperity and happiness under CCP rule. In these portrayals, the CCP is depicted as the benevolent force that saved the Tibetan people from their own culture and traditions, which are described as backward and cruel. The serf-born protagonist is often shown as eternally grateful to the Party, embracing their new life with enthusiasm. The narrative is crafted to reinforce the idea that Tibetans owe their freedom and well-being to the CCP, while conveniently ignoring the suppression of Tibetan culture, religion, and identity that has occurred under Chinese rule. Such stories serve to legitimize the CCP’s control over Tibet and to diminish the region’s unique cultural and religious heritage. They are carefully constructed to promote a singular, sanitized version of history that aligns with the CCP’s political goals, further entrenching the controversial and one-sided narrative of Tibet’s liberation. Where Snow Lotus Blooms It is a 32-episode TV series that was promoted as an authentic Tibetan production, co-produced by Henan Radio and Television, Tibet Radio and Television, and CCTV. While it has become the most-watched TV series of 2023 in China, its portrayal of Tibet and its people has sparked controversy. The series presents Tibetans as backward and unhappy until the arrival of Chinese liberators, including Han Chinese soldiers, cadres, and students who are depicted as selfless heroes. The concept of the old Tibetan spirit is central to the narrative but is distorted to align with the CCP’s agenda, portraying Tibetans as fundamentally Chinese and erasing the true essence of Tibetan culture, which is…
