Chinese and Russian State-Run Media Outlets Sign Content-Sharing Agreement
On April 19, Russian state-owned news agency, Sputnik, signed a content-sharing agreement with Chinese state-run newspaper, The Global Times. Per the agreement, the parties will exchange news and analysis (likely also including editorial content) in both Chinese and English to provide their audiences with “more complete” information regarding their respective domestic and international agendas.
According to Global Times’ Deputy Chief Editor, May Yuhong, this content will, in particular, include coverage of the “interests and positions of China and Russia on important international issues.” This cooperation marks Sputnik’s eighth such deal in the Chinese media market, with previous agreements already in place with major outlets, such as Xinhua News Agency, China Radio International, and China Daily.
Sputnik already boasts a 9 million user subscription base through Chinese social media platform, Weibo, and is seeking to expand its presence within this target audience.
This relationship should be closely monitored given both Moscow’s and Beijing’s increased use of targeted disinformation and propaganda directed toward global audiences.