A China analyst named Victor Ho has outlined the three main categories of media outlets that Beijing uses to exert influence overseas and control the Chinese diaspora. These categories include overseas branches of Chinese state media, outlets from Hong Kong that have been influenced by Beijing, and overseas media created by Chinese groups aligned with Beijing. Ho expressed concerns about the frequent meetings between Chinese diplomats in Canada and media outlets that consistently portray the communist regime in a favorable light. He argues that these meetings take place in Chinese Communist Party (CCP) controlled areas and are meant to influence the outlets and promote CCP propaganda.
Ho pointed to a specific event in December 2022, where representatives from various Chinese-language media were invited to the Chinese consul general’s residence in Vancouver. During the event, the consul general denied allegations of Beijing’s interference in Canada and criticized the Canadian government for their views on China. Several media outlets, including Phoenix TV, Ming Pao, and Sing Tao Daily, reported on the event without providing counterbalancing perspectives.
Ho also highlighted other instances where Chinese diplomats in Canada held meetings with media outlets. These meetings often focused on conveying Beijing’s narrative and pressuring the outlets to promote CCP propaganda. If an outlet fails to meet the CCP’s expectations, it won’t be invited to future events and may become a target of the CCP.
According to Ho, the three types of Chinese-language media influenced by the CCP have played a significant role in spreading the regime’s propaganda of indoctrination. This influence is particularly strong among individuals who primarily speak Mandarin and rely on Chinese social media platforms overseen by the CCP. Ho argues that the CCP’s control over overseas Chinese media has contributed to dampening criticism against the regime.
Ho suggests that Canada should adopt measures similar to the United States, such as requiring subsidiaries of pro-Beijing media organizations to register as foreign agents. He believes that a foreign agent registry would help expose media outlets that serve the CCP’s interests and inform the public, especially the Chinese community, about their motivations.
In previous discussions about the potential establishment of a foreign influence transparency registry in Canada, some Chinese groups aligned with Beijing have opposed the proposal, citing racial discrimination and connections to discriminatory legislation from the past. Ho dismisses these arguments as “absurd and nonsensical” and emphasizes that a foreign agent registry would help identify outlets promoting CCP propaganda and ensure transparency.