Did India Block X Accounts of Chinese State Media for Spreading Fake News and Pakistani Propaganda?
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Synopsis
India has taken a bold stance by blocking the X accounts of Chinese state media for promoting disinformation. This action underscores the ongoing conflict with Pakistan and highlights the importance of accurate reporting. Discover the implications of this significant step in the realm of international relations and media integrity.
Key Takeaways
- India has blocked the X accounts of Chinese state media for spreading disinformation.
- The action is a response to rising tensions with Pakistan.
- Operation Sindoor targeted terror hubs in Pakistan in retaliation for a deadly attack.
- Global Times and Xinhua were found propagating false narratives.
- The Indian Embassy emphasized the importance of accurate reporting.
New Delhi, May 14 (NationPress) In a pivotal diplomatic and digital action, India has taken the significant step of blocking the X accounts of China's state-controlled media organizations, Global Times and Xinhua News Agency, due to their role in disseminating misinformation and Pakistani propaganda during escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
This decision arose after both outlets were observed promoting a series of misleading news articles and provocative narratives in the aftermath of Pakistan's retaliatory actions following India’s successful 'Operation Sindoor'.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) facilitated this action, citing concerns over national security and public order.
Officials indicated that both Global Times and Xinhua, associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), had been actively spreading false narratives, including a viral disinformation campaign alleging the downing of an Indian Rafale fighter jet near Bahawalpur—a claim that India quickly refuted.
The Indian Embassy in China had previously issued a strong caution to Global Times, urging the outlet to “verify facts and cross-examine sources” before sharing such content.
“Dear Global Times, we recommend you check your facts and validate your sources before disseminating such disinformation,” the Embassy remarked, addressing one of the outlet's erroneous posts.
“Numerous pro-Pakistan accounts are propagating unfounded claims related to #OperationSindoor, attempting to mislead the public. When media outlets share unverified information, it demonstrates a severe lack of accountability and journalistic integrity,” the Embassy further stated.
The misleading narrative surrounding the Rafale jet was traced back to a 2021 incident involving a MiG-21 crash in Punjab's Moga district.
The Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check division flagged the circulating image as deceptive and cautioned, “Be wary of outdated images shared by pro-Pakistan accounts in the current context.”
India’s precise strikes under 'Operation Sindoor' targeted terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) as a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
In response to India’s decisive military actions, a digital campaign by several Pakistan-aligned and CCP-associated platforms attempted to alter the narrative through disinformation—prompting India to restrict access.
Point of View
We stand firmly in favor of transparency and accuracy in reporting. India’s action against Chinese state media highlights the critical issue of misinformation, especially in the context of national security and international relations. Upholding journalistic integrity is paramount, and we support measures that protect the public from disinformation.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did India block the accounts of Chinese state media?
India blocked these accounts due to their dissemination of misinformation and Pakistani propaganda amidst ongoing tensions with Pakistan.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor refers to India's military response targeting terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir following a terror attack in Pahalgam.
What misinformation was spread by Global Times and Xinhua?
These outlets promoted false claims, including the alleged downing of an Indian Rafale fighter jet, which India quickly debunked.
What was the role of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology?
The Ministry coordinated the blocking of these accounts, citing national security and public order concerns.
How did the Indian Embassy respond to Global Times?
The Embassy issued a warning urging them to verify facts and cross-examine sources before sharing information.
