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While the world’s attention is focused on wars and political crises, China has been steadily expanding its influence over media organizations around the world. A new series of investigations by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reveals a coordinated effort to control narratives, suppress critical journalism, and build a global propaganda network.
Attacking the Danish Press
The Chinese embassy in Copenhagen has targeted the Danish newspaper Berlingske through letters and social media campaigns aimed at discrediting its reporting on China. This kind of diplomatic pressure on independent media in democratic countries represents a serious challenge to press freedom in Europe.
Targeting Investigative Journalism in the Philippines
The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) has come under attack after publishing investigations into Chinese influence in the Philippines. RSF reports that the center has faced online harassment campaigns and threats that appear to be coordinated by Chinese state-linked actors.
Controlling Media in the Solomon Islands
Since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 2019, the Solomon Islands have become a strategic battleground for Chinese media influence in the Pacific. RSF’s investigation shows how Chinese investment in the island nation’s media sector has given Beijing significant control over local information flows.
CGTN: A 65-Language Propaganda Machine
Perhaps the most striking finding is the scale of China’s state media operation. CGTN, China’s global television network, now broadcasts in 65 languages, making it one of the world’s largest media operations. RSF’s analysis shows how CGTN systematically frames stories to align with Beijing’s political interests, from downplaying human rights abuses in Xinjiang to promoting China’s version of events in Taiwan.
Why This Matters
China’s media influence strategy is different from traditional propaganda. Instead of simply broadcasting its message, Beijing works to undermine independent media, build dependencies through investment, and use diplomatic pressure to silence criticism. This approach is harder to detect and counter than open censorship.
“The fight for press freedom in the 21st century is not just about protecting journalists from violence and imprisonment. It is about defending the integrity of information itself against state-sponsored manipulation on a global scale.”
Sources
RSF: Chinese Embassy Attacks Danish Newspaper Berlingske
RSF: PCIJ Under Attack After China Investigation
RSF: China's Grip on Solomon Islands Media
RSF: CGTN - 65-Language Megaphone
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