CCP-affiliated News Outlets in UK Focusing on Diaspora Community

July 24, 2024 TruthUSA

Experts emphasized the need for more awareness regarding the activities connected to pro-Beijing news content that influences the Chinese diaspora in the UK, according to a statement.

Increasing concerns over disinformation on social media platforms like TikTok have led to calls for transparency and education, especially after legislation was passed in Parliament to prevent foreign powers from acquiring UK newspapers.

In addition to state-owned media outlets directly controlled by the CCP, researchers have identified eight pro-Beijing news sources in the UK that operate various websites and social media accounts.

These outlets, seemingly independent, regularly publish content from Chinese state media and have staff attending forums and training organized by state-owned China News Service (CNS) or the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office—another name for the CCP’s United Front Work Department (UFWD) responsible for influence campaigns.

Experts suggest that organizations in the UK collaborating with UFWD should be transparent about their connections. They also advocate for educational initiatives to help counter the influence of pro-Beijing propaganda on platforms like WeChat.

While physical copies of newspapers in Chinatowns are declining, pro-Beijing narratives continue to be disseminated by state-owned and seemingly independent outlets that echo propaganda.

In various soft platforms like WeChat and Weibo, alongside hard news content, the CCP’s influence is evident, as reported by a 2022 Freedom House review on Beijing’s media influence in the UK which rated it as “very high.”

Researchers identified eight pro-Beijing media outlets targeting Chinese-speaking audiences in the UK, with little content contradicting CCP narratives.

The report highlighted how local news coverage on Chinese political issues aligns with Beijing’s viewpoints, and individuals from ethnic diaspora groups like Hongkongers face intimidation in the UK for challenging pro-CCP elements.

A physical altercation in London’s Chinatown in November 2021 is cited as an example of how tensions arise between democracy supporters and pro-CCP forces due to propaganda.

Most of these outlets are associated with state-backed unions or participate in state-controlled training programs like the Overseas Chinese Media Advanced Training Course and World Chinese Media Forum, organized by UFWD.

The CCP’s strategy of sharing “China’s story” involves promoting its narratives in creative ways, as part of its United Front approach, with the aim of co-opting non-party members to further its agenda.

Freedom House noted the active participation of pro-CCP media representatives from various countries at Chinese media events like the World Chinese Media Forum.

Experts stress the importance of transparency and education in countering the influence of pro-Beijing media in the UK. They suggest that collaboration with CCP entities should be disclosed, and the public should be aware of potential propaganda.

Education programs are seen as vital to help the public understand the nuances of media manipulation and to offer alternative viewpoints through channels like the BBC’s World Service.

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