China’s Influence on US Elections: Anti-Semitic Theories and Propaganda
As the US presidential elections approach, China is reportedly using questionable tactics to influence the outcome. Investigations have revealed that networks linked to China are spreading conspiracy theories and anti-US propaganda. These networks are sharing anti-Semitic content on social media, questioning the independence of US political institutions and the integrity of presidential candidates.
A joint investigation by Voice of America (VOA) Mandarin and Taiwan’s Doublethink Lab uncovered over 30 posts on social media platform X. These posts allege that American political institutions, like the White House and Congress, are controlled by Jewish elites and the Israeli government. One post falsely claims that many US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, are of Jewish descent, questioning their representation in government.
Another post features a cartoon of Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, suggesting that their policies on Judaism will remain unchanged regardless of who wins. These posts were mainly shared in July and August by three spam accounts, part of a larger network of 140 accounts spreading disinformation.
US officials have identified China as a significant threat to election integrity, though China denies these claims. Tuvia Gering from the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub notes that while China isn’t necessarily hostile to Jews, anti-Semitic theories are used against Western countries. These narratives are popular on Chinese social media, with articles claiming Jewish control over US politics through various means.
Doubts Revealed
China -: China is a large country in Asia, known for its rich history and being one of the most populous countries in the world.
US Elections -: US Elections are the process by which people in the United States choose their leaders, like the President, through voting.
Anti-Semitic -: Anti-Semitic means being against Jewish people, which is wrong and hurtful. It involves spreading false and harmful ideas about them.
Conspiracy Theories -: Conspiracy theories are stories that some people make up to explain events, often without any real proof, and they can be misleading or false.
Propaganda -: Propaganda is information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a particular point of view or agenda.
VOA Mandarin -: VOA Mandarin is a part of Voice of America, which is a news organization that provides news in different languages, including Mandarin, which is a language spoken in China.
Doublethink Lab -: Doublethink Lab is a research organization that studies how information is spread, especially online, and how it affects people.
Spam Accounts -: Spam accounts are fake or automated accounts on social media that spread unwanted or harmful information.
Election Integrity -: Election integrity means making sure that elections are fair, honest, and free from outside influence or cheating.