Shanhui Zhang: Beijing’s Voice on French TV Sets

On the French news channel CNews, Shanhui Zhang is introduced at various times as a "CGTN journalist," a "journalist on Chinese television," or a "CNews correspondent in China." In January 2026, the French investigative outlet Mediapart revealed that she is not paid for her appearances on the channel, raising questions about the nature of this collaboration. Yet, it is above all the nature of her discourse that draws attention. On January 4, 2026, while introduced on air as a "CNews correspondent in Beijing," Shanhui Zhang commented on the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States using the rhetoric of Chinese officials, providing no nuance. While reiterating that "China firmly condemns the blatant use of force" and condemning an action carried out while "completely ignoring the international order" - as other countries had done - the journalist took the opportunity to portray China as a country that respects all others, "regardless of their size, power, or economic weight." This presentation notably overlooks the military pressure exerted by Beijing on several neighbouring states, foremost among them Taiwan.

The language she uses follows a pattern. The terms she employs consistently highlight Beijing's point of view, such as "China defends" and "China is concerned about." The positions of the CCP are presented as facts and are rarely - if ever - confronted with opposing analyses. This is hardly surprising given the outlet that employs her. Launched in 2016, the China Global Television Network (CGTN) reflects CCP leader Xi Jinping's ambition to "tell China's story well." In short, the channel serves as a key tool for disseminating Beijing's propaganda internationally.

On social media, Shanhui Zhang regularly defends the positions of Chinese authorities, often without adherence to truth or the critical distance inherent to journalism. In July 2025, in response to Alexandre Bompard, CEO of the multinational retailer Carrefour, who criticised the lack of "legal rules" governing Chinese shopping platforms Shein and Temu, she asserted on her X account that these companies "comply with regulations, innovate and create jobs." That same month, a joint investigation by the NGOs ActionAid and China Labor Watch accused the Chinese giant Shein of "organised exploitation," "relentless work pace," "gender discrimination" and a "lack of social protection," allegations later corroborated by other studies. The journalist also highlights her collaboration with RT France, the French-language service of a Russian state outlet sanctioned for being a propaganda organisation in March 2022 in a unanimous decision by the Council of the European Union. Her career has been shaped by media networks and partnerships near and dear to Beijing's influence strategy.