Global Times
Chinese state tabloid known for nationalistic and confrontational coverage.
The Global Times is a daily tabloid published under the auspices of the People's Daily, the Chinese Communist Party's flagship newspaper, and focuses on international issues from a nationalistic perspective. It was first established as a Chinese-language weekly in 1993, and its English-language edition was launched on 20 April 2009 as part of a government campaign to compete with overseas media. The editor-in-chief of both editions until December 2021 was Hu Xijin, who was an early proponent of the "wolf warrior" communication strategy, characterized by loudly denouncing perceived criticism of the Chinese government and its policies. Hu’s departure was reportedly linked to efforts to tone down confrontational rhetoric following a decline in China’s international reputation. The newspaper has been involved in multiple controversies, including fabrications, conspiracy theories, and disinformation. It is part of a broader network of Chinese state media that functions as the government's propaganda apparatus. The Global Times launched a Sina Weibo account in 2010, a US edition in 2013, and in 2017 signed a personnel exchange deal with the Russian state outlet Sputnik. In 2019, it won a three-year contract with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor overseas social media and provide regular briefings. As of 2024, it has a daily circulation of over 2 million copies, employs around 500 journalists in more than 150 countries, and has consistently been regarded as one of China’s top media brands. Its editorial stance is pro-CCP and nationalistic, with the Chinese-language version attracting a nationalist readership since its inception. The English-language version initially took a less nationalistic tone, featuring dissidents and LGBT-friendly content, but later aligned more closely with the Chinese version. The publication is sometimes called "China's Fox News" for its propaganda and monetization of nationalism. According to Hu Xijin, the Global Times publishes what CCP officials think privately but do not say publicly, though it is not considered an authoritative source on central leadership views.
- field
- State media and propaganda
- nationality
- Chinese
- known_for
- Nationalistic commentary, 'wolf warrior' communication strategy, and spreading disinformation
- founded
- 1993 (Chinese-language weekly); English version launched 20 April 2009
- editor_in_chief
- Hu Xijin (until December 2021)
- daily_circulation
- Over 2 million copies (as of at least 2024)
Lore & Background
The *Global Times* is a daily tabloid owned by the *People’s Daily*, the Chinese Communist Party’s flagship newspaper. It was first published as a Chinese-language weekly in 1993, and an English-language edition was launched on 20 April 2009 as part of a government effort to compete with foreign media. The English version initially took a less nationalistic tone than its Chinese counterpart, featuring interviews with dissidents and LGBT-friendly content, but later aligned more closely with the Chinese edition. The publication is known for its nationalistic perspective on international issues and has been described as Chinese nationalist, conservative, and ultranationalist. Its former editor-in-chief, Hu Xijin, who served until December 2021, was an early proponent of the “wolf warrior” communication style, which loudly denounces perceived criticism of the Chinese government. The *Global Times* has been involved in incidents involving fabrications, conspiracy theories, and disinformation, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is part of China’s state media propaganda apparatus. By 2016, the English edition employed about 20 foreign experts for non-political story assignments and copyediting. The newspaper has a daily circulation of over 2 million copies as of 2024 and employs roughly 500 journalists across more than 150 countries. It has been called “China’s Fox News” for its propaganda and monetization of nationalism.
Reader's Guide
The Global Times is significant as a prominent instrument of Chinese state propaganda, known for its nationalistic and often confrontational editorial stance. Its English edition initially took a less nationalistic tone but later aligned with the Chinese version. The newspaper has been described as 'China's Fox News' for its propaganda and monetization of nationalism. It has been involved in numerous incidents, including fabricating quotes, spreading COVID-19 disinformation, and conducting astroturfing campaigns. While not generally considered representative of the Chinese government's official positions, it is viewed as channeling the views of hardline factions. Its 'wolf warrior' communication strategy, epitomized by Hu Xijin, has sparked international controversy and contributed to China's strained international image.
Did You Know?
- The Global Times is a daily tabloid under the auspices of the Chinese Communist Party's flagship newspaper, the People's Daily.
- Editor-in-chief Hu Xijin expected a loss of 20 million yuan in the English edition's first year.
- In 2019, the Global Times won a three-year contract with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor overseas social media and provide briefings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Global Times?
The Global Times is a Chinese state-affiliated daily tabloid that operates under the umbrella of the People's Daily, the CCP's flagship newspaper. It specializes in covering international affairs through a strongly nationalistic and confrontational lens.
When was the Global Times founded, and when did it launch its English edition?
It started as a Chinese-language weekly back in 1993. The English-language version hit the market on 20 April 2009, introduced as part of a government initiative to push back against Western media narratives overseas.
Who led the Global Times for most of its modern era?
Hu Xijin served as editor-in-chief until stepping down in December 2021. During his tenure the paper became tightly associated with an aggressive, combative style of foreign-policy commentary often labeled 'wolf warrior' rhetoric.
Why is the Global Times so controversial among media-watchers and readers?
The outlet has repeatedly drawn scrutiny for publishing fabricated stories, promoting conspiracy theories, and running disinformation pieces. It is widely treated as a central instrument of Chinese state propaganda and diplomatic posturing.
How big is the Global Times' circulation?
The paper reports a daily print run exceeding two million copies, a figure still cited as of at least 2024. That scale makes it one of the most widely distributed state tabloids in the country.
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