מי הם "שגרירי הרשת" החדשים של המפלגה הקומוניסטית הסינית?

From YouTubers boasting tens of millions of followers to pop icons and NBA stars, a new wave of young, high-profile Western faces is becoming the Chinese regime's favorite ambassadors. These influencers are invited on carefully curated state-guided tours across China with authorities leading every step of the way. They return carrying Beijing's message, promoting its narrative to global audiences. Recently, Beijing announced a new program in its state-owned newspaper, offering 10-day all-expenses paid trips to China in July. Who's eligible? Young influencers with at least 300,000 followers who agree to promote their China trips on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X. But these trips go beyond showcasing Asian snacks and culture. Participants will visit major Chinese companies including electric vehicle maker BYD, a top rival to Tesla, and other e-commerce giants. Behind the scenes, ongoing issues like forced labor, struggling factory workers, censored dissidents and other social unrest remain hidden behind a Beijing-designed iron curtain. Critics say the China influencers see is a carefully controlled image that doesn't reflect reality. Instead, the set-up aims to lower Western audiences' guard about the threats China poses and to build sympathy for the authoritarian regime. This is not a new tactic. Take Aisho Speed, a YouTube star with over 40 million followers. He live-streamed his state-backed tour in March, drawing massive online attention. China's state media praised his promotion of the country. What's more, French NBA player Victor Wenbinyama is currently in China for a 10-day retreat. His visit was featured on the front page of the Chinese state media People's Daily Overseas Edition, highlighting him as a favored example of the regime's outreach. China is also courting American pop singers. This season's China singing competition show, Singer 2025, invited four American artists. In a state media interview, singer Mickey Guyton praised Chinese society over the US. An Australian think tank, ASPI, warned in a 2023 report that the CCP is using foreign influencers to spread party-approved narratives to global audiences.