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 flagship newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party. 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 initiative to compete with overseas media. The editor-in-chief of both editions was Hu Xijin until December 2021, who became known as an early proponent of the "wolf warrior" communication strategy, which involves loudly denouncing perceived criticism of the Chinese government and its policies. Hu initially predicted the English edition would lose 20 million yuan in its first year, but by 2016 he stated the paper was profitable. The Global Times launched a Sina Weibo account in 2010, a US edition in 2013, and signed a personnel exchange agreement with Russian state outlet Sputnik in 2017. In 2019, it won a three-year contract with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor overseas social media and provide regular briefings and response plans. As of 2024, the paper has a daily circulation of over 2 million copies, employs roughly 500 journalists in more than 150 countries, and is consistently regarded as one of China’s top media brands. Its ownership is split 60–40 between People’s Daily Online and the Global Times Press, and it operates a public opinion research subsidiary. The Chinese-language version has attracted a nationalistic readership since its inception, while the English version initially took a less strident tone—featuring interviews with dissidents and LGBT-friendly content—before later aligning more closely with its Chinese counterpart. The publication has been described as Chinese nationalist, conservative, and ultranationalist, and is sometimes called "China's Fox News" for its propaganda and monetization of nationalism. Sources note that the Global Times is not generally representative of official Chinese government positions, unlike the People's Daily, but is seen by some as channeling the views of hardline leadership factions. Its more aggressive stance is thought to allow other state media to appear more moderate. Hu Xijin stated the paper publishes what CCP officials think privately but do not say publicly. The newspaper has been involved in numerous incidents of fabrications, conspiracy theories, and disinformation, including during the U.S.-China t
- 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)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Global Times is a daily tabloid owned by the People's Daily Press, the publisher of the Chinese Communist Party's flagship newspaper, the People's Daily. It comments on international issues from a nationalistic perspective. Established as a Chinese-language weekly in 1993, it launched an English-language version on 20 April 2009 as part of a government campaign to compete with overseas media. Its editor-in-chief until December 2021 was Hu Xijin, who was an early adopter of the "wolf warrior" communication strategy of loudly denouncing perceived criticism of the Chinese government. The newspaper has been the source of various incidents, including fabrications, conspiracy theories, and disinformation, and is part of China's state propaganda apparatus. The Chinese-language version has a pro-CCP slant and a nationalistic readership, while the English version initially took a less nationalistic stance, featuring interviews with dissidents and LGBT-friendly content, before later aligning more closely with the Chinese version. It has been called "China's Fox News" for its propaganda and monetization of nationalism. The Global Times is not generally considered representative of the Chinese government's official positions, unlike the People's Daily, but some view it as channeling hardline faction views. Its more nationalistic tone allows other state media to appear more moderate. Hu Xijin stated the paper publishes what CCP officials think privately but do not say publicly. By 2016, the English edition employed about 20 foreign experts for non-political stories. The newspaper has a daily circulation of over 2 million copies and employs roughly 500 journalists in more than 150 countries.
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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