The Chinese government has reportedly sought to influence press access at the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, raising concerns about attempts to extend its censorship beyond its own borders. According to a report published by ThePrint, the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi urged India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to deny accreditation to Tibetan exile media, journalists covering Tibet, and media organizations associated with the Falun Gong movement for the summit scheduled on September 12–13.
If accurate, the request represents a significant attempt by Beijing to shape media coverage in India, the world’s largest democracy, by limiting access for journalists known for reporting on Tibet, human rights, and religious freedom in China.
Media Outlets Reportedly Targeted
The reported request includes journalists from independent media organizations such as The Epoch Times, NTD, Sound of Hope, and Secret China, all of which regularly report on issues related to China and the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.
It also reportedly seeks to exclude Tibetan journalists working for exile media organizations, including Tibet Radio (Norway), Phayul, Tibet Times, Tibet Post, Tibet Information Network, and Radio Free Asia.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs began accepting accreditation applications for journalists covering the BRICS Summit on July 27.
A Pattern of Information Control
The reported move reflects a broader pattern of information control by the Chinese government. Within Tibet and mainland China, authorities have long restricted access to foreign news sources and media critical of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Tibetans found watching, listening to, or sharing content from exile Tibetan media outlets have faced detention and political punishment. In 2023, reports indicated that around ten monks from Labrang Monastery and nearby areas were detained after authorities accused them of distributing foreign information. Their mobile phones were confiscated, and they reportedly underwent approximately two months of what officials described as “political education.”
The United Nations has also documented cases of Tibetans being detained for accessing or sharing information from outside China, highlighting concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression and access to information.
Preventing Difficult Questions
The reported request comes ahead of the possible participation of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit, although official confirmation of his attendance has yet to be announced. Reports also indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not been officially confirmed to attend.
By seeking to exclude Tibetan and independent journalists, critics argue that Beijing is attempting to reduce the likelihood of questions concerning Tibet, religious freedom, human rights, and the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities during one of the world’s most prominent international gatherings.
Beijing’s Identified “Threats”
Chinese official documents and security narratives have increasingly portrayed several movements as major challenges to the authority of the Communist Party. These include:
- The Tibetan movement
- Taiwan independence
- The Uyghur movement in East Turkestan/Xinjiang
- The Falun Gong movement
- China’s pro-democracy movement
Observers say these groups remain among the primary targets of Beijing’s domestic censorship and overseas influence efforts.
Press Freedom Beyond China’s Borders
The reported request to the Indian government has renewed concerns about China’s efforts to export its censorship practices internationally. While Beijing tightly controls media access within China, critics argue that attempts to influence accreditation decisions in democratic countries represent a broader challenge to press freedom.
Whether India accepts or rejects the reported request could be closely watched as an indication of its commitment to protecting independent journalism at an international summit where issues of transparency, accountability, and global governance are expected to be in focus.
