Chinese media coverage of events in Ukraine

The relevance of the topic of this study stems from the significance of the current military conflict. According to observers, China's official media and state-controlled social networks limit their coverage of the war to efforts to promote peace and support Russia's right to defend its interests. They use the Russian term "special military operation" to refer to the war, rather than the term "invasion" common in the West. Analysts say the media received specific instructions on how to describe the conflict. On the first day of the war, Chinese media were ordered not to report news unfavorable to Russia. Chinese social media also censored content. Experts say the coverage of Ukraine reflects the way China has controlled the media since the late 1990s, when the Internet became a tool for the public. Theoretical significance lies in the lack of theoretical research. Practical relevance lies in the possibility of innovation in the presentation of events.