- According to Reuters, then-President Donald Trump authorized the CIA's influence campaign in China.
- The CIA used fake social media accounts to spread unfavorable narratives about the Chinese government.
- Former officials said the campaign was aimed at stirring up paranoia in China's leadership.
Reuters reported on Thursday that then-President Donald Trump authorized a CIA operation to discredit the Chinese government on social media while in office.
The CIA began the operation in 2019, creating fake Chinese social media accounts to spread narratives discrediting the Chinese government, Reuters reported, citing three former officials. did.
Former officials told Reuters they ranged from allegations of corruption among members of the Chinese Communist Party to the deterioration of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's landmark Belt and Road Initiative.
Former officials told Reuters the campaign was aimed at stirring up paranoia among Chinese leaders about possible intrusions into China's internet.
“We wanted them to chase ghosts,” said one of the people involved.
Representatives for the CIA and Trump declined to comment to Reuters about the program.
A representative from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters that the report examines how “public opinion spaces and media platforms” have been used by the U.S. government as “weapons to spread false information and manipulate international public opinion.” He said it shows.
The United States has previously accused countries such as Russia and China of increasing influence operations against the United States.
On Monday, the US intelligence community released its annual threat assessment report, saying China could try to influence the 2024 election.
The 40-page report said China's propaganda arm “has strengthened its ability to conduct covert influence operations and disseminate information.” The report said Chinese propaganda activists used TikTok accounts to target Republican and Democratic candidates during the 2022 midterm elections.
“Even if the Chinese government imposes limits on these activities, individuals not under the direct supervision of the Chinese government may attempt election influence activities that they perceive to be in line with Beijing's goals.” the report states.
Trump's representatives, the CIA and China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider sent outside normal business hours.
