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China Minutes

China Minutes  (中國時刻)is the English version of Paris-based Nouvelles d’Europe, which describes itself as “the most influential Chinese news organization in continental Europe.” In fact, the paper, the oldest Chinese-language outlet in France, is directly controlled by the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party. Formally launched in 2015 as a subsection of the official Nouvelle d’Europe website, China Minutes had to wait two years before it got an online home of its own. It frequently runs content lifted straight from state-run outlets like Xinhua and CGTN. Editorially, it also toes the line on topics like Taiwan and Xinjiang. In 2019, the outlet reprinted a Global Times article presenting pro-China perspectives on clashes at Australia’s University of Queensland between pro-democracy Hong Kong students and mainland counter-demonstrators.

Le Quotidien

Le Quotidien is a major independent Senegalese daily newspaper founded in February 2003 by Madiambal Diagne, a lawyer and former journalist from Wal Fadjri. Published by Avenir Communication SA, the newspaper maintains its independence by deriving approximately 60% of revenue from sales rather than advertising, allowing it to maintain what Diagne describes as editorial content that “tells things as they are.” Operating from Dakar, Le Quotidien has established itself as “among Senegal’s leading newspapers, and probably the most circulated independent newspaper” through its critical reporting on political, economic, social, and cultural issues. The publication gained international attention when Diagne was imprisoned for over two weeks in July 2004 for articles alleging government corruption, though charges were later dropped following domestic and international pressure.

Ministry of Information of Cambodia

Cambodia’s Ministry of Information oversees media and information in Cambodia. Established in 1993 and led by Minister Neth Pheaktra, it operates from its headquarters at 62 Monivong Boulevard in Phnom Penh. The ministry comprises the General Department of Administration and Finance, the General Department of Information and Broadcasting, the Kampuchea News Agency, National Television of Kampuchea, and the National Radio of Kampuchea. Working alongside the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, it plays a key role in Cambodia’s internet governance, including the implementation of the National Internet Gateway established in February 2021. This centralized gateway system was designed to manage internet traffic, increase tax revenue, and monitor online content for national security and social order, though it has raised concerns from human rights organizations regarding potential restrictions on free speech.

Australia-China Relations Institute

The Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) exemplifies China’s efforts to shape public discourse in Australia, according to critics. Established in 2014 with A$2.8 million from Chinese entrepreneurs, including Huang Xiangmo (黃向墨), questions persist about ACRI’s independence despite its claims of being “nonpartisan.” James Leibold of La Trobe University argues it produces “one-sided” materials while facilitating media tours transmitting “China’s voice” to Australian audiences. Former Foreign Minister Bob Carr was appointed as ACRI’s director, working “near full-time” according to UTS. The institute represents one facet of Beijing’s broader influence campaign in Australia, critics say, which includes direct political lobbying, media pressure, and economic leverage. This influence allegedly extends beyond academia, with Chinese officials reportedly organizing supportive rallies and attempting to suppress criticism—activities that prompted Australia’s 2018 overhaul of espionage laws prohibiting undisclosed foreign influence in politics.

China Daily

The China Daily (中國日報) is an English-language newspaper operated by the Information Office of China’s State Council, which is essentially the same office as the Central Propaganda Department (中共中央宣傳部) of the Chinese Communist Party. Published in multiple languages, the newspaper and its associated outlets are a key aspect of China’s official communication strategy toward the world. It claims to have “the widest print circulation of any English-language newspaper in China” — a misleading claim as all such publications are closely regulated and controlled. The U.S. State Department designated China Daily as a “foreign mission” in 2020, while scholars describe it as “an instrument of China’s public diplomacy.” The newspaper produces sponsored content called “China Watch” for Western publications and has faced accusations of spreading disinformation about Hong Kong protests, COVID-19, and Uyghur issues. Former staff have described working there as prioritizing making “the Chinese government look good” over journalism.

Contemporary World Magazine

Contemporary World magazine is published by the Contemporary World Publishing House (當代世界出版社), established in September 1993, a Beijing-based publishing house under the management and operation of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (中共中央對外聯絡部). Under Contemporary World Publishing House Co., Ltd (當代世界出版社有限公司) since February 2011, its current legal representative is Li Shuangwu (李雙伍). The company is listed as 100 percent owned by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. Contemporary World (當代世界), now the company’s flagship journal, first launched in 1981 as “Selected Translations of Communist Movement Materials” (共運資料選譯), and underwent name changes in 1989 and 1995. The publication claims to “analyze international relations and world party politics” while delivering information on global political, economic, military, social, and cultural developments. The journal’s main sections include situation commentary, special focus, interviews, expert forums, and global perspectives.

Chinese Embassy in Laos

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is China’s chief diplomatic mission to Laos, located in Vientiane. The mission’s origins trace to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Laos on April 25, 1961, when Laos switched recognition from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the PRC government in Beijing. However, diplomatic relations experienced significant challenges, with Laos severing diplomatic relations with the PRC in May 1962 and restoring relations with the Republic of China, before recognition was changed again in 1975 when the new Lao communist government came to power. Relations were fully normalized in 1989, and diplomatic ties were restored to the ambassadorial level in June 1988. The embassy is currently located at Wat Nak Road, Sisattanak, Vientiane, Lao P.D.R. The current ambassador is Fang Hong (方红).

Sydney Chinese Daily

The Sydney Chinese Daily is published by the Chinese News and Media Group, which describes itself as “the largest 100% Australian Owned and Independent Chinese Media Company.” The group’s flagship publication, the Daily Chinese Herald (澳洲日報), was established in 1986, with the company operating a portfolio that includes Chinese Melbourne Daily and Queensland Chinese Daily. The company’s website states that the Sydney Chinese Daily is “Sydney’s most influential and widely-read Chinese language publications” and “the first and only free daily newspaper to cover Sydney based local news.”

Thai Chinese New Generation Business Association

The Thai Chinese New Generation Business Association, founded on July 1, 2002, is Thailand’s first Chinese youth organization representing new immigrants and overseas Chinese youth from various regions of China, including Hong Kong and Macau. Members work across industries, including manufacturing, finance, trade, technology, real estate, construction, jewelry, medical treatment, insurance, e-commerce, and tourism. The association claims to “serve as a bridge for the new generation of overseas Chinese, helping members integrate into Thai society, building business relationships, and protecting legitimate rights”. In 2020, marking its 18th anniversary, the organization underwent leadership changes and expressed support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, RCEP, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development plan.