China’s Public Diplomacy in Afghanistan: The Role of Media

Abstract

This chapter examines China’s public diplomacy towards Afghanistan through the media. Despite significant improvements in Afghan media before the collapse of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (IRoA) (2001–2021), which attracted generous support from the international community, China’s contribution was marginal. Nevertheless, China continued its engagement by employing and utilising Chinese media, supporting Afghan media, providing journalists with professional and technical training and trips to China, and maintaining relationships with media practitioners. This engagement has continued after the regime change in August 2021. How does China involve itself with the media in Afghanistan, and what are the dominant patterns of media interaction? This chapter explores China’s support of particular Afghan media outlets, its use of social media–primarily Facebook and X–and its attempts to expand its media presence while maintaining a selective yet proactive approach.