Kabul, Jan 19 (NationPress) Since the Taliban took control in 2021, China's media influence in Afghanistan has grown significantly. Afghan journalists allege that Chinese media outlets in the region are focusing on content that promotes Beijing's positive contributions while steering clear of subjects involving poverty, human rights violations, or repression, according to a recent report.

Following the Taliban's rise to power, the media environment has deteriorated sharply due to funding shortages and stringent regulations. Numerous media organizations have ceased operations, resulting in thousands of journalists losing their jobs, while those who remain face censorship, intimidation, and economic hardship. A report by Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) noted that Chinese state media is stepping in to fill this gap.

According to the report, China has significantly augmented its media presence in Afghanistan post-2021, with Afghan journalists informing RFE/RL that Chinese outlets are creating content that showcases Beijing’s favorable role while neglecting narratives about issues such as poverty and human rights abuses.

An Afghan journalist, who requested anonymity, revealed, "Our focus is solely on positive narratives. We are instructed to create documentaries and reports that bolster [China’s] relations with the [Taliban] government."

The journalist further expressed, "We observe hunger and hardship during our field visits, but those stories are unwelcome. The true situation is concealed."

Multiple Afghan journalists affiliated with Chinese news agencies in Kabul reported being directed not to engage with other media, with job loss threatened for those who do. Former employees of China Central Television (CCTV) and China Global Television Network (CGTN) disclosed that these Chinese outlets often shared content with Afghan channels that depicted Beijing’s "constructive role," despite also addressing corruption, insecurity, and political dysfunction—content reflecting Beijing’s rivalry with Washington.

A senior Afghan manager at a Chinese media firm mentioned that these outlets now emphasize reporting on regional political and security matters after the Taliban's takeover, particularly the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

This manager noted that Chinese media have strengthened collaborations with Taliban-controlled state media, such as Bakhtar News Agency, through joint programming, content sharing, and technical assistance. Analysts suggest that China’s strategy aims to enhance its political and economic sway in Afghanistan as Western media withdraw and local outlets struggle under Taliban-imposed constraints.

The RFE/RL report highlighted that Afghanistan's independent media landscape is on the brink of collapse. Many journalists have fled, and numerous outlets face imminent closure, primarily due to the withdrawal of financial support from Western donors. Furthermore, Taliban regulations have instituted extensive censorship, banned entertainment content, and limited women's involvement in media.