How is propaganda used in China?

Propaganda in China is extensive and multifaceted. It has evolved under the leadership of Xi Jinping to include a diverse array of tactics, aimed at both domestic and international audiences.

Domestic Propaganda

In China, propaganda is used extensively to maintain the image of the Communist Party and to control the narrative within the country. This involves:

• Visual Propaganda: Billboards and banners promoting socialist virtues and the benefits of the Communist Party are common (1).
• Media Control: The rebranding of state media (e.g., from CCTV to CGTN) helps to disguise the origins of propaganda and integrate it into more neutral or positive contexts, like animal videos or non-political content, misleading both Chinese and global audiences (2).
• Surveys and Public Opinion: The government uses manipulated surveys to portray high levels of public satisfaction, which don’t accurately reflect public opinion or the repressive nature of the government (3).
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    Chinese Propaganda

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    Chinese Propaganda

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    Flaws in Chinese Propaganda

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    China's Propaganda Machine

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    Chinese propaganda on Facebook

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    Chinese propaganda on YouTube

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International Propaganda

China's efforts also extend globally, trying to improve its image and counter negative perceptions:

• Social Media Presence: Channels like CGTN have a massive presence on platforms such as Facebook, reaching hundreds of millions globally, despite Facebook being banned in China (4).
• Disguising Sources: Propaganda often uses what's known as "white propaganda" where the source is clear, but the information is biased. This contrasts with more covert methods used by other countries like Russia (4).
• Exploitation of Platforms: China uses platforms like YouTube and Facebook extensively, employing bots and running ads to push narratives that are favorable to the Chinese state, while also attempting to manipulate discussions and public opinion online (5).

Tactics and Effects

• Building Narratives: Propaganda also attempts to shape global perceptions by showcasing China’s successes and the purported failings of Western countries, particularly highlighting issues in the U.S. to draw favorable comparisons with China (6).
• Influence Operations: These operations target international audiences, using narratives that present China in a positive light while sowing discord or skepticism about Western narratives or policies (6).

Overall, China's use of propaganda is comprehensive, leveraging state control over media and technology to influence both its own citizens and global opinions. This strategy is not only about promoting China but also about controlling the narrative to suppress dissent and criticism both domestically and abroad.