Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Chinese Media in Afghanistan Avoid Negative Stories
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, many media outlets have closed, and journalists face many challenges.
Chinese media outlets have increased their presence in Afghanistan and are focusing on positive stories that show China's good relationship with the Taliban.
They avoid reporting on poverty, repression, or human rights abuses.
Afghan journalists working for Chinese outlets say they are told to only report positive news and not to talk to other media.
Chinese media also work with Taliban-controlled media like Bakhtar News Agency.
This is part of China's effort to increase its influence in Afghanistan as Western media leave and local media struggle under Taliban restrictions.
Chinese media in Afghanistan focus on positive stories, avoiding negative topics like poverty and human rights abuses.
Since the Taliban took power in 2021, many Afghan media outlets have closed, and journalists face censorship and economic pressure.
Afghan journalists working for Chinese outlets report being instructed to only produce content that strengthens China's relations with the Taliban.
Chinese media outlets collaborate with Taliban-controlled media like Bakhtar News Agency through joint programs and content sharing.
China's media strategy aims to boost its political and economic influence in Afghanistan as Western media outlets withdraw.
- Who
- Chinese media outlets and Afghan journalists
- What
- Chinese media avoiding negative stories in Afghanistan
- When
- Since 2021
- Where
- Afghanistan
- Why
- To highlight Beijing's positive role and avoid controversy
- Year Taliban Seized Power
- 2021
- Media Outlets Affected
- Hundreds
- Journalists Affected
- Thousands
- Chinese Media Focus
- Positive issues, relations with Taliban
- Reporting Restrictions
- Avoiding poverty, repression, human-rights abuses
- Chinese Media Outlets
- CCTV, CGTN
- Taliban-Controlled Media
- Bakhtar News Agency