C3S-ORCA Webinar | Influencing the Narrative: Foreign Social Media Influencers and China’s Digital Soft Power

China's international communication strategy has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. While traditional public diplomacy relied on state media, cultural exchanges and official messaging, Beijing leverages digital platforms and social media personalities to shape international perceptions of China. Foreign content creators, travel vloggers, lifestyle influencers and online commentators have become important intermediaries in presenting narratives about China's development, governance, technological advancement, tourism and everyday life to global audiences.

A notable feature of this evolving strategy has been the growing presence of foreign, including Indian, influencers who produce largely positive content about China. Through sponsored visits, government-supported familiarisation tours, collaborations with provincial governments, media organisations, universities and commercial entities, these creators often gain access to regions, infrastructure projects and technological achievements that remain inaccessible to ordinary visitors. Their content frequently highlights China's modernisation, cultural heritage, public safety, high-speed rail, smart cities and economic development, contributing to narratives that project…