The United States of America has revealed to the world that China has been spending “billions of dollars annually on foreign information manipulation”. In a report published by the US State Department’s Global Engagement Center (GEC), it said that China has engaged in acquiring stakes in foreign media, sponsored online influencers and even sought to co-opt with foreign political elites and journalists. The mission include propaganda, disinformation and censorship while promoting positive news about China and the ruling Communist Party.

The same report said that China suppresses critical information that contradicts its narrative on issues like Taiwan, human rights and its flagging domestic economy. It mentioned China’s use of popular social media site WeChat in disseminating disinformation targeting “Chinese-language speakers residing in democratic countries” and TikTok in ensuring that all critics of Beijing are blocked from using it.

James Rubin of GEC explained that if the pieces of the puzzle are put together, the “breathtaking ambition” of the People Republic of China for information dominance in key regions of the world can be seen and if allowed to continue it will eventually result to the destruction of democratic values.

The observation and report of the US State Department is valid but does not come without the bias of its own interests. While in these modern times the US can be considered as the world’s guardian of democracy and China has up to a certain degree managed to cover its dictatorship and arrogant behaviors with white linens and guised itself as a friendly ally of the world, being in a democracy does not necessarily mean the US exposing the evil acts of China to protect the world. It is rather protecting its interests around the world that has been experiencing a decline because of the advances of China.

One must realize that like China, the US has been into controlling and manipulating information to advance their own interests. In the end, its always about economic value. The only difference this time, China has mastered toying around democratic ideals in pushing forward its dictatorial and communist interests and its hurting the US.

As to the validity of the report, China would not be considered a super power without gaining control of information. Sadly, they are succeeding as the literacy around the world declines or perhaps the attitude of the current generation that does not actually care has become more favorable for them.