China's Disinformation Tactics Sway Global Views Amid U.S. Concerns

Veteran diplomat Kurt Campbell's visit to the Solomon Islands in 2022 revealed China's extensive disinformation campaign, which amplifies Russian claims and impacts global perceptions. Analysts, including Shannon Van Sant, highlight Beijing's sophisticated use of AI and fake news sites to push pro-Chinese narratives. The U.S. aims to counter these efforts, emphasizing the need for increased spending to match China's global influence.

Veteran US diplomat Kurt Campbell's 2022 trip to the Solomon Islands exposed the extent of China's disinformation efforts, which often echo Russian claims. A local article falsely accusing the US of running chemical labs in Ukraine is just one example. This widespread propaganda, now leveraging AI, aims to shape global perceptions and bolster Beijing's standing.

China's reach is significant and increasingly sophisticated, as Shannon Van Sant of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation observed. Fake news sites, designed to look like credible outlets, circulate pro-Chinese content. These operations pose a serious threat to democratic institutions, she argued.

U.S. policymakers are responding, with proposed legislation to allocate $325 million annually to counter China's influence campaigns. The House has approved the measure, which now awaits Senate approval. Experts emphasize that to compete with China's vast disinformation apparatus, substantial resources are essential.

(With inputs from agencies.)