China has significantly increased its media involvement in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021. Afghan journalists have reported that Chinese media in the country are focusing on positive narratives about Beijing while avoiding coverage of poverty, repression, and human rights violations. The media landscape in Afghanistan has suffered with the closure of numerous outlets and loss of jobs for thousands of journalists due to funding shortages and restrictions.
“Our work concentrates solely on positive aspects. We are instructed to create documentaries and reports that enhance [China’s] ties with the [Taliban] government,” revealed a Kabul-based Afghan journalist working for a Chinese outlet anonymously. Despite witnessing hardships and hunger during field visits, stories depicting such realities are discouraged and concealed.
Afghan journalists employed by Chinese media in Kabul disclosed that they were instructed not to engage with other media platforms, risking termination if they did so. Former Afghan staff members of China Central Television (CCTV) and China Global Television Network (CGTN) shared that Chinese outlets used to collaborate with Afghan channels to portray Beijing’s “constructive role,” although Chinese reports also highlighted issues like corruption, insecurity, and political challenges, aligning with Beijing’s rivalry with Washington.
A senior Afghan manager at a Chinese media organization highlighted that the focus now is on reporting regional political and security matters post-Taliban rule, particularly tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Chinese media entities have enhanced partnerships with Taliban-controlled state media such as Bakhtar News Agency through joint initiatives, content sharing, and technical assistance. Analysts suggest that China’s efforts aim to bolster its political and economic sway in Afghanistan as Western media withdraw and local outlets face Taliban-imposed constraints.
The independent media sector in Afghanistan continues to crumble, with many journalists fleeing and numerous outlets on the verge of closure. Formerly supported by Western donors, these outlets have lost financial backing. Taliban regulations have introduced extensive censorship measures, prohibited entertainment content and films, and imposed restrictions on women’s involvement in media.
