Report: Exposing China’s Propaganda Campaigns in the Middle East and North Africa

CUS Press Release

For Immediate Release

August 20, 2025

Contact@uyghurstudy.org

Uyghurstudy.org

The Center for Uyghur Studies (CUS) has released a new report, “Exposing China’s Propaganda Campaigns in MENA”, which documents how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is conducting coordinated propaganda and influence operations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The report reveals how Beijing’s state media, diplomatic networks, economic leverage, and cultural outreach are systematically used to reshape regional perceptions, silence criticism of its human rights abuses, particularly against Uyghur Muslims, and promote narratives favorable to the CCP.

The study finds that China’s propaganda strategy in MENA is not limited to promoting trade or diplomatic goodwill, but is part of a deliberate effort to whitewash its record on mass internment, surveillance, forced labor, and religious repression in the Uyghur homeland. Tactics include Arabic-language state media broadcasts, content-sharing agreements with local outlets, the recruitment of regional influencers, coordinated social media manipulation, and the export of Chinese surveillance technology. These influence operations are reinforced by cultural and educational channels, such as the rapid expansion of Confucius Institutes and scholarship programs, and framed around themes of anti-colonialism, non-interference, and supposed solidarity with the Muslim world.

The report also details case studies showing how Chinese embassies, state media, and covert online networks work in tandem to spread China’s propaganda, often in collaboration with Russian and Iranian propaganda outlets. It warns that these efforts are contributing to a shrinking space for independent journalism in MENA, new media “red lines” on China coverage, and growing public support for Beijing’s narratives.

“China’s propaganda in the Middle East and North Africa is sophisticated, well-funded, and increasingly effective in shaping perceptions while erasing the truth about the Uyghur Genocide. At the same time, China is also bringing massive corruption into the MENA region.” said Executive Director Abdulhakim Idris, “If the atrocities against Uyghur Muslims continue to be ignored in the Muslim world, it will represent not only a failure of diplomacy but a profound moral betrayal. This report is a call to action for governments, media, and civil society to defend truth and justice.” 

The report concludes with detailed recommendations for countering CCP influence, including strengthening investigative journalism, expanding media literacy programs, improving transparency on social media platforms, and supporting independent media and civil society across MENA. It calls on regional governments to uphold the values of justice and solidarity, and on international partners to coordinate efforts to expose and resist Beijing’s propaganda campaigns.

The report “Exposing China’s Propaganda Campaigns in MENA” is published in both Arabic and English, and is available for reading and download at the following links: Arabic | English.