ISLAMABAD: Chinese envoys and Pakistani leaders on Thursday warned of the growing dangers for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor from fake news and propaganda about the mega-development project and stressed the need for cooperation in countering it.
The issue was highlighted at the 7th CPEC Media Forum, which was jointly hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, the Pakistan-China Institute and the China Economic Net, where speakers used propaganda, misinformation to polarize public opinion. And talked about the potential of fake news. Promoting violent extremism and undermining the development project.
CPEC has been widely projected as a game changer in Pakistan that will impact the geo-strategic, geo-economic and geo-political dynamics of the region; And as a response to the shortcomings of its infrastructure. But, as well as media reports raised doubts about the possibility of Pakistan falling into a debt trap to China, the alleged lack of transparency in the projects and the environmental impact of the projects, especially coal-fired power plants.
Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf in his keynote address underscored the importance of CPEC, saying it was the country’s best bet to become the region’s geo-economic hub, but regretted that it was “a victim of malicious propaganda”. went. by the “opponents” of the CPEC and China.
‘Fake News’ threatens mega project; Baloch communities may fall for anti-CPEC propaganda, warns NA speaker
In an apparent reference to the increasing attacks against Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan by Baloch separatists, Mr. Ashraf suggested that extremist and ethnic elements could be exploited to sabotage the project.
Therefore, he called upon the local communities to approach them to address their grievances as they may fall prey to anti-CPEC propaganda.
The Chinese in-charge d’affairs Pang Chunxue also spoke about the gravity of the challenge.
“False propaganda and misinformation is on the rise on CPEC. The hostile forces are trying to undermine the unity and mutual trust between the two countries along with the development of CPEC.
She was more specific about who was behind the fake news and propaganda campaigns against the CPEC.
Referring to the strategic alliances formed by the US to control China – the Quad, which is a grouping of the US, Australia, India and Japan; Ocas, which is a tripartite security agreement between Australia, the UK and the US; and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework – she said they are targeting China and undermining its efforts to promote peace and development in the world.
“CPEC may not progress well in a world full of Cold War mentality,” the Chinese diplomat said, reminding him of the impact of the global environment on this.
Chairman Senate Defense Committee Mushahid Hussain, who also heads the Pakistan-China Institute, described fake news and propaganda as the biggest challenges for the CPEC.
He urged both the countries to jointly combat it.
“Not only journalists from both countries, but journalists from other countries should also promote the truth about CPEC and BRI so that people know which is the way forward,” he said. and connectivity and bringing the two countries together for equitable cooperation.
The CPEC, he insisted, was not directed against any other country and rejected the Cold War and China’s containment mentality.
Published in Dawn, June 3, 2022