The State Department has accused China of using deceptive and coercive methods to manipulate global information through a variety of tactics. These tactics include acquiring stakes in foreign newspapers and television networks, utilizing major social media platforms to promote Chinese views, and pressuring international organizations and media outlets to silence critics of Beijing. The department’s report, released by the Global Engagement Center, expresses concern over China’s information operations, which it believes pose a growing security challenge to the United States and democratic principles worldwide, fostering what is termed as “digital authoritarianism.” The report warns that these tactics could potentially cause nations to prioritize Beijing’s interests over their own economic and security concerns.
The report also highlights China’s practice of exporting digital surveillance tools to police and monitor online information and individuals. While many of these tactics are not new, the report suggests that they have the potential to influence countries to make decisions that subjugate their own interests to those of China. James P. Rubin, the coordinator of the Global Engagement Center, emphasized the importance of presenting facts in a nation’s narrative, asserting that while every country has the right to tell its story, it should be based on accurate information. In contrast, he claims that the People’s Republic of China employs coercive techniques and increasingly resorts to outright lies in shaping its narrative.
The accusations made by the State Department reflect growing concerns in Washington over China’s information warfare strategies. The report suggests that the Chinese government’s efforts to manipulate the global information environment not only threaten the United States but also democratic values universally. China’s actions extend beyond promoting its own propaganda and include exporting tools for digital surveillance, raising concerns about the potential undermining of economic and security interests of other nations. By shedding light on these methods, the report aims to bring greater awareness to China’s tactics and encourage nations to safeguard their own interests and democratic values.