Chinese Platforms: A Critical Introduction

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Jian Lin (Chinese University of Hong Kong) Wilfred Yang Wang (University of Melbourne, Australia)

Chinese Platforms

A Critical Introduction

Jian Lin (Chinese University of Hong Kong), Wilfred Yang Wang (University of Melbourne, Australia), Ping Sun (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China)

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English

Polity Press
17 October 2025

Communication studies; Media studies

The rise of the Chinese internet has reconfigured digital culture around the world. From social media platforms such as WeChat and Douyin to utility platforms Didi and Eleme, the Chinese platform economy has shown a remarkable capability of innovation and growth, receiving great limitation as well as protection from the Chinese state.

This is the first textbook to centre Chinese platforms in the transformation of the global internet. Offering an overview of the history, governance and social-political implications, the book shows how Chinese platforms are situated within the domestic political economy of China, and the external geopolitics and cross-border mobilities of capital, technology and populations. Topics covered include policy and governance, social media entertainment, e-commerce, digital labour, and the Chinese diaspora. Comparing and contrasting the Chinese platform ecology with its global counterpart, the book argues that while Chinese platforms exhibit more effective economic and technological innovation and have strong cultural cachet, they are subject to a far greater degree of state oversight, including facilitation as well as correction and censorship.

Chinese Platforms is a must-read for advanced students of Media and Communication Studies and China Studies, as well as those interested in the rise of digital China and its connections and implications for the global platform society.

By: Jian Lin (Chinese University of Hong Kong), Wilfred Yang Wang (University of Melbourne, Australia), Ping Sun (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China)
Imprint: Polity Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 235mm, Width: 158mm, Spine: 28mm
Weight: 454g
ISBN: 9781509559176
ISBN 10: 1509559175
Pages: 219
Publication Date: 17 October 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: Globalisation and Contextualisation Chapter 2: Institution, Policy and Governance Chapter 3: Platform Labour and Gig Economy Chapter 4: E-Commerce Platforms Chapter 5: Social Media and Wanghong Chapter 6: Chinese Platforms Beyond China Conclusion Bibliography Index

Jian Lin is Assistant Professor in the School of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Wilfred Yang Wang is Senior Lecturer in Media and Communications at the University of Melbourne. Ping Sun is Associate Professor in the Institute of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Reviews for Chinese Platforms: A Critical Introduction

""This book provides a critical introduction and an illuminating analysis of Chinese platforms. It is a must-read for all students who want to understand the dynamics of global platform ecosystems."" José van Dijck, Utrecht University ""Accessible and comprehensive, this book uses rich case studies to unpack the promises and pitfalls of the Chinese platform economy, revealing how it shapes society, culture, and the global media landscape."" Jack Linchuan Qiu, Nanyang Technological University ""Written by experts from three different regions of the world, this book offers a lucid and insightful introduction. I recommend it highly for its global vision on a rapidly digitalizing China."" Guobin Yang, University of Pennsylvania