Because the withdrawal of worldwide forces and the Talibans return to energy in August 2021, Afghanistans once-diverse media panorama has collapsed below a scarcity of funding and restrictions — and Chinese language state media is seeking to fill the void.
A whole lot of retailers have shut down, hundreds of journalists have misplaced work, and people remaining face censorship, intimidation, and extreme financial strain. Towards that backdrop, Chinas media footprint has turn out to be extremely seen and is aiming to develop additional.
China has considerably expanded its media presence in Afghanistan for the reason that Taliban seized energy in 2021, with Afghan journalists telling RFE/RL that Chinese language retailers within the nation are producing content material that highlights Beijings optimistic position whereas avoiding tales about poverty, repression, or human-rights abuses.
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A Kabul-based Afghan journalist who has labored for a Chinese language outlet advised RFE/RLs Radio Azadi that reporters face tight editorial management.
Our work focuses solely on optimistic points. We’re advised to provide documentaries and studies that strengthen [Chinas] relations with the [Taliban] authorities,” a Kabul-based Afghan journalist who has labored for a Chinese language outlet within the nation advised RFE/RL below situation of anonymity. We see starvation and hardship when visiting fields, however these tales should not needed. The truth is hidden.
RFE/RL spoke with a number of Afghan journalists working for Chinese language retailers in Kabul. All stated they had been warned to not communicate with different media and danger shedding their jobs in the event that they did.
Former Afghan staff of China Central Tv (CCTV) and China World Tv Community (CGTN) who spoke to RFE/RL stated that Chinese language retailers used to supply information content material to Afghan channels selling Beijings constructive position,” though Chinese language protection additionally typically burdened corruption, insecurity, and political dysfunction — content material that supported Beijings rivalry with Washington.
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After I labored with them, it was clear China needed tales that made the earlier authorities look weak and ineffective, focusing totally on issues, challenges, and detrimental points, stated one former CGTN journalist granted anonymity. It didnt really feel like a constructive position, although it served their political pursuits.
A senior Afghan supervisor at a Chinese language media group advised RFE/RL that protection has shifted towards regional political and safety points for the reason that Taliban’s takeover, significantly tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
He stated Chinese language retailers have deepened cooperation with Taliban-controlled state media, such because the Bakhtar Information Company, by means of joint packages, content material sharing, and technical help.
Increasing Via Native Companions
Analysts advised RFE/RL that the hassle is a part of Beijings broader push to strengthen its political and financial affect in Afghanistan as Western retailers withdraw and native media battle below present Taliban restrictions.
Hazrat Bahar, a researcher at Leipzig College in Germany, stated Chinas increasing affect in Afghan media serves each strategic and financial objectives.
Nations that help overseas media typically achieve this for political and cultural causes, and China is one in every of them, he advised RFE/RL. You may even see it on social media, by means of CRI Pashto or packages like China Flowers on Fb. After Western media collapsed and left a vacuum, China noticed a chance to develop its affect
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Bahars just lately publishedresearchshows Beijings involvement has grown by means of help for Afghan media retailers and thru the enlargement of its personal networks.
In accordance with him, non-public broadcasters equivalent to Shamshad TV and Axon Media have obtained Chinese language monetary help. Axons CRI Pashto, a part of the China Radio Worldwide community, runs twice-daily packages in Kabul and Kandahar and has attracted hundreds of thousands of followers on-line.
Chinese language state networks, together with CCTV and CGTN, keep places of work in Kabul producing English-language content material.
Some Afghan stations, equivalent to Kabul Information, beforehand aired documentaries about Chinas Belt and Street Initiative (BRI), the trillion-dollar infrastructure mission launched by Beijing in 2013.
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Bahars analysis was included in a 2025 report by the Heart for Social and Financial Progress (CSEP), an Indian suppose tank, and located that Chinas presence in Afghan media has expanded considerably since 2021. The report cites monetary backing, content material partnerships, and coaching packages for Afghan journalists as key instruments in selling a pro-China narrative.
The report describes this effort as a part of Beijings tender energy diplomacy, utilizing data outreach to form public opinion and mission a picture of China as a secure accomplice in a turbulent area.
Hamed Obaidi, head of the Afghan Media Help Group (AMSO), stated Chinese language funding additionally serves financial goals.
Media funding could be a part of Chinas broader financial and political technique, he advised RFE/RL. They wish to promote their tasks in Afghanistan and enhance their picture throughout the area.
Managing The Message In Afghanistan
Jawed Qaim, the final ambassador of the previous Afghan authorities to China previous to the Taliban’s takeover, advised RFE/RL that regardless of Beijings deepening engagement in Afghanistan, its position remains to be extra pragmatic than transformational.
Afghanistan will not be extraordinarily vital for China, however by way of safety, together with South and Central Asia, Afghanistan is a part of Chinas regional technique, Qaim stated.
