The Chinese regime has enhanced its influence operation tools, including TikTok, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, to target various entities.
According to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Beijing has gained confidence in its ability to influence elections in the United States and globally. The Chinese authorities have honed their influence operation tools using artificial intelligence and big data analytics. These tactics involve bankrolling candidates, utilizing deep fake technologies to create misleading content, gathering polling data to identify targets, and conducting social media influence operations. Additionally, China’s People’s Liberation Army operates social media accounts on multiple platforms.
Beijing’s efforts to interfere in elections extend beyond the United States, targeting countries like Taiwan, Australia, and Canada. In Taiwan, during the recent election season, AI-generated content circulated online, distorting public statements and spreading false claims about election processes. Similar interference attempts have been identified in Canada, where China was labeled as the most persistent foreign interference threat.
The Chinese regime employs a combination of incentives and disincentives to sway policies and influence individuals both in China and abroad. Concerns about Beijing’s attempts to interfere in the upcoming U.S. presidential election have been raised by lawmakers and officials like Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Recent reports suggest that Chinese leaders have intensified efforts to influence U.S. policies and public opinion, including scanning political party domains and targeting specific members of Congress based on their views on China. Instances of smear campaigns, such as the one against U.S. army officer Xiong Yan during his congressional candidacy in 2022, highlight the extent of Chinese interference tactics.
Director Haines identified China as one of the most significant foreign actors engaging in influence activities directed at the United States, particularly in relation to elections. Beijing continues to promote politicians who align with China’s interests on key issues at all levels of government. Can you please rephrase this sentence?
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