The Chinese government has firmly rejected a recent report released by the U.S. Department of State that accuses Beijing of spending billions of dollars annually on global influence, censorship, and disinformation campaigns. The report claims that these efforts are aimed at shaping international perceptions in a manner that could jeopardize global media freedom and freedom of speech.
A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry labeled the U.S. report as itself being disinformation, asserting that it misrepresents facts and truths about China’s international engagement. The spokesperson suggested that the U.S. is engaging in an “information cold warfare” against China.
Chinese media outlets have noted that cooperation and partnerships between Chinese media and those of other countries are increasing, reflecting a growing global interest in perspectives from China and other developing nations. Critics of the U.S. report argue that it overlooks the diversity of voices in international discourse and attempts to discredit China’s legitimate efforts to share its viewpoints on global issues.
The tension over disinformation is not new in international relations. Observers point out historical instances where misinformation has played a role in global events, such as the claims of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq that led to widespread conflict and instability in the region. These examples are used to highlight the complexities and responsibilities of nations in disseminating information on the global stage.
The Chinese government maintains that it supports multilateralism, international cooperation, and true globalization. It emphasizes opposition to protectionism, trade wars, and interference in the internal affairs of other nations. In contrast, Beijing views the U.S. accusations as an attempt to undermine China’s growing influence and to perpetuate a one-sided narrative in international media.
The ongoing exchange underscores the broader challenges in U.S.-China relations, as both nations navigate issues of global influence, media freedom, and mutual perceptions. The international community continues to watch closely as these two major powers articulate their positions and engage with the rest of the world.
Reference(s):
Decoding U.S. claim of so-called Chinese disinformation campaigns
cgtn.com
