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The United States has accused China of trying to create a “community of digital dictators” in a report aimed at convincing other countries that Beijing is conducting a global propaganda campaign as part of an “undeclared information war.”
The State Department report lays out Beijing’s efforts to shape the global information stage, from censorship and propaganda to promoting authoritarianism and exploiting international organizations.
“(The People’s Republic of China) uses various deception and coercion methods to try to influence the international information environment,” the report said.
“If left unchecked, China’s efforts will reshape the global information landscape, create biases and disparities, and may even lead countries to make decisions that subordinate their economic and security interests to those of Beijing.”
James Rubin, a senior US State Department official, said China was using “coercion and increasingly blatant lies” to achieve “breathtaking ambitions…”. . . Seeking information dominance.”
The State Department report comes amid growing competition between Beijing and Washington over everything from China’s military presence in the South China Sea to semiconductor production and clean energy technology.
The report also marks a renewed U.S. effort to counter Chinese activities it sees as threatening U.S. influence as some developing countries become increasingly willing to copy Chinese content that undermines Western media sources.
In one example, the State Department said sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation acquired a 7% stake in French satellite operator Eutelsat and used the investment to broadcast Chinese government propaganda in Africa and elsewhere. – Run media via satellite.
China has also spread surveillance and censorship technology to governments around the world, particularly in Asia, Africa and Latin America, as part of its technologically advanced “smart city” program, the report said. The Chinese embassy did not respond to a request for comment.
“China has promoted authoritarian digital norms that other countries have quickly adopted,” the report said. “As other countries follow China’s lead, their information ecosystems become more receptive to Beijing’s propaganda of disinformation and censorship demands.”
According to reports, President Xi Jinping asked Chinese state media to strengthen overseas propaganda in 2021. China’s state media currently produces content in 12 languages, and as of the end of 2021, state news agency Xinhua News Agency had 181 bureaus in 142 countries and regions.
Asked about the United States’ longstanding efforts to promote a pro-American message, Rubin said the difference is that China’s narrative is not based on fact. But he said these countries are in an “undeclared information war” and the U.S. government must step up to promote their interests.
“We’re not spending enough. I think we should be spending more.”
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