US Report on China's Media Influence in Pakistan Sparks Concerns in India

According to an official US report in 2021, China has been actively pursuing significant control over Pakistani media as part of its ambitious China-Pakistan Media Corridor initiative. This endeavor is seen as a part of China's broader strategy to shape international media narratives and extend its influence in various regions.

China's International Media Operations

China has been expanding its international media operations to have a say in shaping global narratives. It has not only worked closely with Russia in the information space but has also sought cooperation with other close partners to counter unfavorable narratives. One prominent partner in this endeavor is Pakistan.

Deepening China-Pakistan Cooperation

The US State Department report highlights how China has sought to deepen its cooperation with Pakistan in combating disinformation. This collaboration includes initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Media Forum. Both countries have used this platform to address what they perceive as propaganda and "malicious disinformation."

The China-Pakistan Media Corridor (CPMC)

One significant development is the China-Pakistan Media Corridor (CPMC), which represents China's ambition to exert control over Pakistan's domestic information environment. This includes the proposal to establish a jointly operated "nerve center" to monitor and shape Pakistan's information landscape.

Control Over Pakistan's Information Environment

The proposal included mechanisms for converting reports into Urdu products to influence public opinion, providing Chinese Embassy reports directly to Pakistan's official press release system, and monitoring and responding to public criticism about China. It also called for the creation of platforms to dispel rumors and promote approved news to the local market.

China's Broader Information Manipulation Efforts

The US State Department report underscores that China spends billions of dollars annually on foreign information manipulation efforts. Beijing employs tactics such as using false or biased information to promote a positive image of China and the Chinese Communist Party while suppressing critical information that contradicts its preferred narratives.

Impact on India

The growing influence of China in Pakistani media has implications for India as a neighboring country. India's concerns include the potential for an even closer China-Pakistan alliance and the spread of narratives that could impact India's national interests. China's efforts to shape global narratives may also influence international perceptions of India, particularly in regions where India and China have overlapping interests, such as South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

As China seeks to extend its influence through media and information control, India must remain vigilant and proactive in shaping its own narratives and strengthening its strategic partnerships to counter any adverse effects of this growing influence. Additionally, India may need to enhance its efforts to counter disinformation and promote its own perspectives in the international media landscape.

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