Is The Paper Propaganda? Bias Rating and Credibility Analysis
The Paper Overview and Political Bias
Observers describe The Paper as a state-sanctioned outlet that balances investigative journalism with government narratives. While praised for its modern digital approach, critics argue it remains subject to CCP censorship, often prioritizing social stability and official viewpoints over sensitive political dissent, according to media watchdogs like Freedom House.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Right |
| Estimated number of readers | 200,000,000 |
| Israel support | Aligns with official Chinese foreign policy, typically supporting a two-state solution and emphasizing Palestinian humanitarian perspectives. |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Mass market |
The Paper History
Launched in 2014 by the Shanghai United Media Group, The Paper emerged as a digital-first successor to the Oriental Morning Post. It was designed to modernize Chinese state media, utilizing a mobile-centric platform to engage younger audiences with a mix of breaking news, social commentary, and multimedia content.
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Who owns The Paper?
The Paper is owned by the Shanghai United Media Group, a state-owned enterprise controlled by the Shanghai municipal government. It has received significant funding from state-backed investors and private equity firms like Hony Capital, reflecting a hybrid model of government control and commercial investment strategies within China.