Archives: Dispatches

All Lingua Sinica Dispatches

Association of Overseas Chinese Media in Europe

Written by Editors on February 13, 2026.

The Association of Overseas Chinese Media in Europe (歐洲華文傳媒協會) is a network of Chinese-language outlets in Europe that, according to its own “About Us” page was established in Paris in October 1997 by the newspaper Nouvelles d’Europe (歐洲時報), which is linked to the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party. The association initially was called the “European Chinese-language Press Association.” It was renamed the following year, and Nouvelles d’Europe has since housed the association’s secretariat and handled its day-to-day operations. The group states its purpose is “promoting understanding and cooperation between the Chinese and European peoples” (促進中國人民和歐洲各國人民之間的了解與合作), matching the diplomatic language typically used by other China-linked overseas media groups to describe their own mission. The association claims that its media forums offer a space where member-outlet delegates gather to “speak openly” (暢所欲言) on media issues and offer input on the development of Chinese-language media across Europe. However, the pro-CCP political framing is obvious in read-outs of these events. The latest edition of the forum was held in Milan, Italy on July 19, 2026.

Chinese Consul General in Luang Prabang

Written by Editors on February 13, 2026.

The Chinese Consulate General in Luang Prabang is a diplomatic mission of the People’s Republic of China located in Phongkham Village, Luang Prabang, Laos. The consulate serves northern Laos and plays a key role in promoting China-Laos cooperation in the region, particularly around the China-Laos Railway corridor. The consulate has engaged in regional diplomacy including participation in provincial Party Congress events, China-Laos Railway ceremonies, and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation forums in Luang Prabang. The consulate promotes China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework in northern Laos, focusing on infrastructure development, trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between China and the Lao provinces under its jurisdiction.

La República (Costa Rica)

Written by Editors on February 13, 2026.

La República is a national daily newspaper published in San José, Costa Rica, operated by República Media Group. The newspaper, founded in August 1950, specializes in coverage of business, economics, finance, politics, infrastructure, technology, health, and sports, positioning itself as a reference publication for Costa Rica’s professional sector. La República has covered stories including a 2000 plane crash involving former CIA Chief Stansfield Turner and the 2021 exposure of fake COVID-19 tests sold to tourists. The newspaper maintains a regular content arrangement with China’s official Xinhua News Agency, republishing Chinese state media content with pro-state bias including government propaganda. In 2013, the newspaper began charging for online subscriptions. La República maintains both print and digital editions.

China and Spain Launch Anniversary Series

Written by Editors on February 13, 2026.

On March 30, 2023, China Media Group and Spain’s Ministry of Culture launched “China-Spain Cultural Journey” (中西文化之旅), a series of programs marking the 50th anniversary of China-Spain diplomatic relations. According to Wen Wei Po, the programs will be broadcast through CGTN and Spanish partners, including TVE, Telemadrid, Televisión de Extremadura, Canal Sur, and Britel Media Group. The initiative includes the documentary “From Beijing to Madrid,” which profiles individuals across politics, economics, sports, and arts to illustrate bilateral cooperation. Shen Haixiong (慎海雄), president of China Media Group; Spain’s minister of culture and sports, Miquel Iceta; China’s ambassador to Spain, Wu Haitao (吳海濤); and Spanish Ambassador to China Rafael Dezcallar, delivered video messages during the launch. Chinese official messaging focused on the Belt and Road Initiative and emphasized “mutual learning among civilizations” (文明互鑒), employing a more recent addition to the CCP lexicon.

Extremadura Television

Written by Editors on February 13, 2026.

Extremadura Television (Televisión de Extremadura) is the public broadcaster for Spain’s western Extremadura region, which officially began broadcasting on February 15, 2006. The broadcaster operates television and radio services providing news, cultural programming, and entertainment content. In 2023, the broadcaster joined a group of Spanish media in broadcasting “China-Spain Cultural Journey” (中西文化之旅), a series of programs marking the 50th anniversary of China-Spain diplomatic relations, organized between Spain’s Ministry of Culture and the China Media Group (CMG), the mega-conglomerate under China’s Central Propaganda Department.

MediaForEurope

Written by Editors on February 13, 2026.

MediaForEurope (MFE) is one of Europe’s largest media groups, founded in 1987 in Milan under the name Mediaset S.p.A. The company was listed on the Milan Stock Exchange in July 1996 and operates primarily in Italy and Spain, focusing on free-to-air commercial television and digital media development. MFE operates through subsidiaries, including Mediaset S.p.A. in Italy and the wholly owned Grupo Audiovisual Mediaset España Comunicación S.A.U. in Spain.

Mediaset Spain

Written by Editors on February 13, 2026.

Mediaset Spain (Mediaset España), formally known as Grupo Audiovisual Mediaset España Comunicación, opened in Madrid on March 10, 1989, and began broadcasting in 1990 as Tele 5. Mediaset España operates seven free-to-air television channels and has expanded beyond broadcasting into advertising sales through Publiespaña, film production via Telecinco Cinema, and public relations consulting. In 2023, the broadcaster joined a group of Spanish media in broadcasting “China-Spain Cultural Journey” (中西文化之旅), a series of programs marking the 50th anniversary of China-Spain diplomatic relations, organized between Spain’s Ministry of Culture and the China Media Group (CMG), the mega-conglomerate under China’s Central Propaganda Department.

Andalucia Radio and Television

Written by Editors on February 13, 2026.

Andalucia Radio and Television or RTVA (Radio y Televisión de Andalucia) is the public radio and television broadcaster serving Spain’s autonomous community of Andalusia, founded in 1988. RTVA operates television channels: Canal Sur, Canal Sur 2 focusing on cultural and children’s content,alongside radio stations including the 24 hours Canal Sur Radio, Radio Andalucía Información providing 24-hour news, and Canal Fiesta Radio that focuses Andalusian music, broadcasting news, entertainment, cultural programming, and sports.

Britel Media Group

Written by Editors on February 13, 2026.

Britel Media Group is a private media and television distribution company based in Madrid, Spain, established in 2006. The company operates in Spain and Latin America, working with more than 100 operators to provide television services. The company focuses on distributing television content, providing devices for receiving TV channels, internet-based television and streaming platforms, broadcasting transmitters, and interactive television applications.In 2023, the company joined a group of Spanish media in broadcasting “China-Spain Cultural Journey” (中西文化之旅), a series of programs marking the 50th anniversary of China-Spain diplomatic relations, organized between Spain’s Ministry of Culture and the China Media Group (CMG), the mega-conglomerate under China’s Central Propaganda Department.