150 Chinese vloggers on mission to defame India? Concerns raised after allegations of passing off Bangladesh slums as Delhi

Chinese nationals have been livestreaming from low-income neighbourhoods in Dhaka and allegedly presenting the footage to viewers as scenes from New Delhi, while making disparaging remarks about India's living conditions and people. A viral video on X, which has crossed 1.3 million views, claims that around 150 Chinese nationals are involved in the activity. An investigation by Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo, published on November 6, identified Chinese livestreamers filming in areas of Uttara and Tekpara in the Bangladeshi capital.

The streamers have reportedly used platforms such as WeChat and Douyin, China's version of TikTok, to broadcast footage of narrow lanes, modest homes and local tea stalls while describing the locations as parts of India's capital. Their comments have included allegations about poor sanitation, unhygienic living conditions and the quality of food and drinks consumed by local residents.

The purpose behind the broadcasts remains unclear. While one streamer reportedly described the activity as part of a product-promotion campaign, the investigation did not establish why Dhaka's low-income neighbourhoods were selected or whether the broadcasts were part of a coordinated effort to influence perceptions of India.


Also Read: Iran shot down 260 US aircraft, captured 7 MQM-170 drones, building underground weapons facility: IRGC's spokesman details capabilities

Chinese vloggers show Dhaka neighbourhoods as parts of New Delhi

Prothom Alo's investigation examined livestreams recorded in Uttara's Sector 12 and adjoining Tekpara, where Chinese nationals were seen filming local streets and residential areas. The newspaper translated the streamers' commentary using Google Translate and cross-checked the translations with four Bangladeshis familiar with the Chinese language.

One streamer identified as Mianmian, who said she was from China's Sichuan province, was seen broadcasting beside a canal in Uttara's Sector 12 on November 1. She introduced the location as New Delhi and described the houses as dirty, underdeveloped and unhygienic. Her commentary also included claims about poor law and order in the area.

Another Chinese national, identified as Wang Wei, was seen filming at tea stalls in Tekpara. He reportedly told viewers that the tea consumed by local residents was made using cow urine and dirty river water, presenting the claims as descriptions of conditions in India.

Prothom Alo also reported that some Chinese women livestreaming from the neighbourhood claimed they were living there with their husbands and families after marrying in India.

Chinese streamers' motive behind filming in Dhaka remains unclear

The broadcasts have raised questions about why Chinese nationals are filming in impoverished areas of Dhaka and presenting the footage as if it were recorded in India. The streamers' disparaging commentary about sanitation, housing and local lifestyles has added to concerns over how the footage could shape viewers' perceptions of the country.

However, the available investigation does not establish that the activity is part of a wider disinformation campaign. In July, Bangladeshi outlet Kaler Kantho quoted one such streamer as saying that the filming was connected to a product-promotion campaign aimed at Chinese audiences.

Prothom Alo also spoke to a Chinese national identified as Fangyou, who said the livestreams were part of product-promotion activities but declined to provide further details about the choice of neighbourhoods.

The investigation identified WeChat and Douyin as platforms used for the broadcasts. It did not establish who commissioned the activity, what products were being promoted or whether the streamers were working independently or as part of an organised operation.

Also Read: AQI: Delhi at 743, Lucknow at 493, Indore at 449 after Diwali; check AQI across major Indian cities

Earlier reports also documented Chinese vloggers filming in Dhaka's poor neighbourhoods

The activity is not entirely new. In May, another Dhaka-based publication, The Business Standard, documented Chinese vloggers filming in low-income neighbourhoods, including Tekpara.

The trend has also prompted questions about the appeal of poverty-focused content among foreign audiences. India's informal settlements have long featured in documentaries and guided tours for international visitors. However, filming in Bangladesh and presenting the footage as Indian locations introduces a different concern, particularly when the accompanying commentary makes derogatory claims about Indian residents and their living conditions.

For now, the streamers' stated explanation of product promotion offers only a partial account of the activity. The broader purpose behind the broadcasts, the number of people involved and whether the videos form part of a coordinated campaign remain unverified.