Negotiating issue visibility in the diaspora: A study of political discussion within <i>Jianzhong Quan on X</i> , <i>2014-2023</i>

Despite the growing significance of the Chinese digital diaspora, large-scale empirical research on its communication patterns on digital platforms remains scarce. This study presents the first large-scale empirical analysis of Jianzhong Quan (简中圈), a key Chinese digital diasporic community on X (formerly Twitter). By examining its temporal and thematic patterns as well as group composition, this research provides valuable insights into how diasporic communities engage in political discussions while navigating contrasting media systems and technopolitical landscapes. Given that X has been officially blocked in Mainland China since 2009, this platform offers a unique space for diaspora members to negotiate visibility, identity, and influence. Analyzing over 2.2 million tweets from January 2014 to December 2023, this study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative analysis and network analysis techniques. The findings illuminate the composition of diaspora subgroups, their primary concerns, and the dynamics of intergroup connections and fragmentations. Beyond offering empirical evidence on diasporic discourse, this study also makes a theoretical contribution by proposing the concept of the Chinese digital diaspora.