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Expanding beyond algorithms, this chapter examines the role of Western influencers who promote pro-China narratives on TikTok. It identifies three categories: those with personal ties to China, ideological activists, and sponsored creators, and analyzes how their content blends cultural storytelling with political messaging. These actors enhance the platform’s soft power by embedding state-aligned narratives in authentic, user-generated voices. The chapter also considers TikTok’s impact on democratic processes, from viral disruptions of political rallies to youth-driven electoral mobilization. Together, these cases demonstrate how TikTok blurs the boundary between cultural diplomacy and political intervention, raising urgent questions about sovereignty and democratic resilience.

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Beyond the Screen: Western Pro-China Influencers and Electoral Implications

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Shaoyu Yuan

摘要

Expanding beyond algorithms, this chapter examines the role of Western influencers who promote pro-China narratives on TikTok. It identifies three categories: those with personal ties to China, ideological activists, and sponsored creators, and analyzes how their content blends cultural storytelling with political messaging. These actors enhance the platform’s soft power by embedding state-aligned narratives in authentic, user-generated voices. The chapter also considers TikTok’s impact on democratic processes, from viral disruptions of political rallies to youth-driven electoral mobilization. Together, these cases demonstrate how TikTok blurs the boundary between cultural diplomacy and political intervention, raising urgent questions about sovereignty and democratic resilience.