INTRODUCTION

This introductory chapter presents the key themes explored in the second edition of the Routledge Handbook of Chinese Media, which offers updated research and new insights into the rapidly evolving Chinese media landscape. Summarising the contributions to the handbook, it reflects on key areas of enquiry, including the state of the field, journalism, press freedom, digital media, diverse media industries and China’s relationship with the world. It explores the complex dynamics of media regulation, the role of digital platforms and the influence of state control on media discourse. It also highlights the role of the Covid-19 pandemic in accelerating the integration of digital landscapes in everyday life, while examining subcultures and emerging trends in mediated resistance, feminist discourse and nationalism. The study extends to Taiwan and Hong Kong, where media play a pivotal role in political mobilisation and democratic engagement, as well as the shifting regulatory frameworks in Macao. The chapter asserts that studying Chinese media provides crucial insights into global media theories and that this handbook offers a valuable resource for ongoing research.