India Blocks X Accounts Of Chinese State Media |In a significant digital crackdown, India has blocked the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of Chinese state-run media outlets Global Times and Xinhua News Agency for allegedly spreading disinformation regarding Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army’s high-profile counter-terror operation targeting cross-border terror networks.
The action comes amid growing diplomatic tension and follows an official warning issued by the Indian Embassy in Beijing, accusing Global Times of irresponsible and misleading reportage.
“Dear @globaltimesnews, we would recommend you verify your facts and cross-examine your sources before pushing out this kind of disinformation,” the Indian Embassy posted on X earlier this week.
‘Operation Sindoor’ and Misinformation Campaign
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to a series of deadly terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including the massacre of 26 civilians in Pahalgam. The Indian military operation targeted suspected terror launchpads and infrastructure along the Pakistan border.
Following the operation, several pro-Pakistan X handles began circulating unverified claims about alleged Indian military losses. Global Times and Xinhua were flagged for echoing these narratives without verification.
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“Several pro-Pakistan handles are spreading baseless claims in the context of OperationSindoor,” the Indian Embassy stated. “When media outlets share such information without verifying sources, it reflects a serious lapse in responsibility and journalistic ethics.”
Accounts Withheld in India
As of Tuesday morning, both @globaltimesnews and Xinhua’s English handle on X displayed the message: “Account Withheld. This account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand.”
This legal action is backed by provisions in India’s Information Technology Act, allowing the government to restrict access to content that poses threats to national security or spreads misinformation during sensitive periods.
PIB Fact Check Flags Doctored Content
The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check Unit has been working overtime to debunk misinformation tied to Operation Sindoor. Officials confirmed that doctored visuals and recycled war footage — often unrelated to the current situation — were being disseminated across platforms to undermine India’s military efforts and boost anti-India sentiment.
A senior PIB official stated, “Much of the disinformation is part of a coordinated effort to amplify falsehoods. We’ve traced multiple visuals back to unrelated past events.”
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The move to block Chinese state media comes on the heels of another diplomatic flare-up — China’s renewed efforts to assert territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh.
Responding to Beijing’s attempt to rename locations in the Indian state, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a firm rebuttal.
“We reject such attempts categorically. Creative naming will not alter the undeniable reality that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always remain an integral part of India,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
In 2024, China released a list renaming 30 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, which India rejected as “vain and preposterous.” This week, Beijing revived the controversial campaign, triggering fresh diplomatic ire in New Delhi.
Strategic Significance
Analysts believe India’s move to block Global Times and Xinhua signals New Delhi’s increasing assertiveness in controlling its information environment during national security operations. It also reflects a growing mistrust between India and China amid long-standing border tensions and disinformation battles.
India’s latest action reinforces its message that foreign media, even state-run entities, will be held accountable if they contribute to propaganda that endangers public trust or national interests.
