The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stands as a $65 billion flagship initiative that promises economic transformation and regional connectivity. However, this monumental project is increasingly becoming a target of digital hybrid warfare. Anarchist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Youth Council (BYC) are systematically exploiting social media platforms, particularly TikTok, to spread misinformation, radicalize youth, and undermine CPEC. This poses a significant threat not only to Pakistan’s stability but also to China’s own investments in the region.

The rapid surge in anti-CPEC propaganda on TikTok is alarming. In 2015, the number of such videos was just over 50, but by 2024, this number has exceeded 1,200, accumulating more than 35 million views in Balochistan alone. These groups have learned to manipulate TikTok’s algorithm to ensure their content reaches a wider audience, especially among impressionable youth. The problem is not just the content itself but the way the platform’s algorithm amplifies divisive narratives, allowing anti-CPEC hashtags like #StopCPEC to trend over 500 times, reaching more than 15 million users since 2018. The peak in such content coincides with key phases of the project, indicating a well-coordinated campaign designed to sabotage economic progress and fuel instability.

China, as the primary investor in CPEC, cannot afford to ignore how TikTok is being weaponized against its own interests. The app’s weak content moderation policies enable groups like BLA and BYC to spread extremist rhetoric unchecked. In 2024 alone, one in three TikTok users in Balochistan has been exposed to anti-CPEC content, reinforcing narratives that fuel hostility and resistance against development projects. While TikTok, as a platform, presents itself as a neutral space for content creation and engagement, its susceptibility to algorithmic manipulation makes it an ideal tool for adversarial actors seeking to disrupt strategic initiatives.

Pakistan and China must recognize the urgency of this digital threat and act decisively to counter it. Engaging diplomatically with Beijing is critical to ensuring that TikTok’s algorithm does not unintentionally amplify terrorist propaganda. Content moderation policies must be strengthened to prevent known extremist groups from exploiting the platform. Proactive measures such as enhanced intelligence sharing between Pakistan and China can help track and dismantle hostile networks operating on social media. By identifying and targeting accounts affiliated with BLA and BYC, both nations can take steps to prevent the spread of misinformation before it reaches a larger audience.

               Efforts to secure CPEC’s digital space must go beyond simply removing content. A structured counter-narrative strategy is essential to push back against the growing influence of anti-CPEC sentiment online. Pro-CPEC digital campaigns, supported by credible influencers and economic experts, should actively highlight the benefits of the project to local communities. The youth must be engaged through awareness initiatives that educate them about the dangers of digital radicalization and the long-term economic opportunities that CPEC brings. By leveraging the same digital platforms that are being used to spread misinformation, Pakistan and China can reclaim the narrative and promote a more accurate picture of CPEC’s progress.

A joint China-Pakistan tech task force should be established to oversee digital security efforts related to CPEC. This body can work directly with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to ensure that anti-CPEC propaganda is identified and removed before it gains traction. Algorithmic oversight mechanisms should be introduced to prevent the undue promotion of content that incites violence or economic disruption. Given that TikTok is a Chinese-owned platform, Beijing has the leverage to implement such changes without compromising the platform’s overall appeal.

Beyond TikTok, stronger cyber laws must be enforced to criminalize digital warfare against national infrastructure projects. Individuals or groups engaged in coordinated disinformation campaigns against CPEC should face legal consequences. At the same time, the process for identifying and banning terrorist-linked accounts should be streamlined through direct cooperation between law enforcement agencies and social media platforms. An emergency response system must also be developed to counter viral misinformation in real-time, preventing it from gaining momentum and misleading large audiences.

The digital space is an extension of the geopolitical battlefield, and ignoring the weaponization of social media can have serious economic and security consequences. Pakistan and China must work together not only to protect CPEC from physical threats but also to defend its reputation and progress in the online domain. By addressing the misuse of TikTok and other social media platforms through a combination of regulation, strategic communication, and technological intervention, both nations can safeguard their shared economic future.

China has a responsibility to ensure that its own platforms do not become breeding grounds for anti-CPEC propaganda. Fixing TikTok’s algorithm to prevent the spread of extremist content is not just in Pakistan’s interest but also in China’s, as it directly impacts Chinese investments and regional stability. The stronger the digital security around CPEC, the more resilient the project becomes against hybrid warfare tactics designed to derail its success. By acting now, Pakistan and China can reinforce their partnership and ensure that misinformation does not become a roadblock to progress.