Abstract:

Uzbekistan pursues a proactive foreign policy, fostering close cooperation with neighboring countries and regions. Particularly dynamic are the relations with the People's Republic of China, which has firmly established itself as the main trade, economic, investment partner, and external creditor of Uzbekistan in recent years. The share of Chinese investments in the country's economy continues to grow. Concurrently, China recognizes the importance of shaping a positive image and expands its presence in the media sphere.

Contemporary research indicates the strengthening of China's informational influence on developing countries. The Chinese government and pro-government structures actively engage with foreign mass media outlets, utilizing various forms of interaction such as content exchange, paid material placements, sponsorship of editorial teams, financial incentives for loyal journalists, organizing press tours, educational trips to China, and more. All of these approaches are applicable in the context of Uzbekistan. In this study, the author will analyze the extent of China's presence in Uzbekistan's media space, identify the specificities and tools employed by the Chinese side in their interactions with local journalists, and overall assess the level of China's informational influence on the Uzbek audience.