A global influence campaign linked to the Beijing public relations firm Shenzhen Haimaiyunxiang Media Co., Ltd has been uncovered by digital watchdog Citizen Lab.

More than 100 websites posing as local news outlets across Europe, Asia, and Latin America disseminate pro-China content interspersed with local news and Chinese state media. The campaign began in mid-2020 and employs adaptive tactics in local languages, spanning 30 countries. The content ranges from conspiracy theories, including blaming American scientists for COVID-19, to attacks on Beijing's critics.

Citizen Lab traced the network back to Haimai, highlighting its role in shaping narratives. Despite low engagement, analysts stress the campaign's significance, emphasizing China's growing influence operations alongside Russia and Iran. South Korea's National Cyber Security Center exposed 18 sites, with Italy's Roma Journal implicated, showcasing how the campaign stretches into diverse regions. The Chinese embassy dismissed disinformation claims, asserting bias in labeling pro-China content. Experts anticipate the continuation of such campaigns, underscoring the persistent efforts to shape global public opinion.

Why does this matter?

The global influence campaign pushing pro-China content across over 100 websites signifies a concerning trend in the manipulation of public opinion on a worldwide scale. The campaign's adaptive tactics, incorporating local languages and news integration, pose challenges to effectively countering and raising awareness about such efforts.