Too Simple, Sometimes Naive

Too Simple, Sometimes Naive

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Too Simple, Sometimes Naive
Too Simple, Sometimes Naive
How Chinese state media are quietly targeting "elites" via Substack

How Chinese state media are quietly targeting "elites" via Substack

Journalists say they are writing "independent" newsletters. Their employers say otherwise.

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Whipling
Aug 07, 2025
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Too Simple, Sometimes Naive
Too Simple, Sometimes Naive
How Chinese state media are quietly targeting "elites" via Substack
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This is part of a wider look at “Media Studios”. How Chinese state media are attempting to influence international audiences via supposedly arms-length media professionals. This week: Substack.

Chinese state media have identified Substack newsletters as a potential way to target and sway Western “elites”, according to a series of recent industry articles.

More, in celebrating their success, the state media posts have unwittingly outed several Chinese-journalist-led Substacks that claim to be “independent”.

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