Chinese Navy Launches Social Media Offensive on X and YouTube

On Monday, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) initiated official accounts on the social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. This move appears to be a strategic effort to engage with a global audience online.

The PLA Navy's initial post on X, under the handle ChinaNavy, introduced itself with the message, "I am Chinese Navy, venturing into the deep blue sea. Welcome to follow us." The post included an image depicting a sailor at attention with a rifle, another gazing out to sea, and a dove in flight. The words "I am @China Navy" were displayed in both Chinese and English within the image.

This marks the first instance of a Chinese military service establishing official accounts on international social media platforms. Prior to this, only the PLA News Media Center had maintained an X account, which was launched in August 2016.

The Navy's subsequent post included a longer message and a video clip. The post stated, "I am Chinese Navy. From escort missions in the Gulf of Aden to overseas rescue operations, from ocean-going medical services to humanitarian evacuation, we sail across seas and oceans with responsibility and hope." It characterized the Navy as "a guardian to defend sovereignty and every inch of territory" and "a partner to build a maritime community with a shared future."

The accompanying two-minute video, narrated in English, highlighted the Navy's commitment to maritime security and its role in various operations. The video showcased footage of Chinese warships patrolling the Gulf of Aden and Chinese sailors assisting foreign evacuees. The narrator emphasized the Navy's timely response in various situations, accompanied by expressions of gratitude from foreign nationals. The video also presented training scenes, international exchanges, and moments of interaction between Navy personnel and foreign individuals.