CCP election interference
With the US presidential election to be held in November, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is once again using fake news as a tactic to manipulate people. By disseminating fake news surrounding sensitive topics in the US, the CCP is attempting to instigate hostility and distrust among the US public.
This kind of strategy not only influences the electoral process, but also widens the gap among Americans and weakens societal unity.
The CCP is disseminating fake information about sensitive topics such as racial issues, vaccine policy and economic crises with the intention to generate hostility. Its fabricated reports can spread rapidly through social media platforms and intensify emotional responses, compelling US citizens to attack one another.
The tactics are no different from those that were used to influence Taiwan’s presidential election at the start of this year. By manufacturing disputes in public opinion, it attempts to divide society and weaken voters’ trust in the government.
The manipulation tactics clearly illustrate that the CCP has systematized fake news to influence electoral processes around the world, thus advancing its own political and geostrategic interests.
The core goal of the CCP’s persistent election interference attempts is to weaken the US’ status as a global leader, thereby creating beneficial conditions for expanding China’s global strategy. If the US is caught in its own internal divide and political unrest, its international competitiveness will decrease along with its influence in the Indo-Pacific and other regions.
Whether it is an election in the US, Taiwan or another democratic country, the CCP’s goal in spreading fake news is to promote its own global strategy. Weakening the democratic systems and societal stability of other countries is part of its attempt to reconstruct the global balance of power and increase its influence and clout. Sparking information wars is clearly a long-term strategy and is a threat that all global democracies must heed.
Democratic countries around the world must recognize the threat and adopt measures to jointly respond to the CCP’s information wars and political interference.
Chang Yung-hsiang
Taipei
Concocted ‘Hai Kun’ ire
In the past few years, Taiwan has promoted self-defense, showing determination to safeguard national security. However, with reports about the progress in developing the Hai Kun (海鯤, “Narwhal”) submarine, the first Taiwan has built itself, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been trying to stir up controversies over problems with the testing of the vessel.
Facing these provocations, Taiwanese must identify the CCP’s political intentions, stay calm and united, and be aware of its mischief-making.
First, the CCP tried to undermine the confidence of Taiwanese in self-defense by exaggerating how the Hai Kun had failed to pass a test.
However, a submarine is a highly complex military machine, so it is normal for technical problems to arise during trials. It takes time for technicians to solve these problems.
By exaggerating technical issues, the CCP aims to erode Taiwan’s will for self-defense and to provoke unnecessary doubts about Taiwan’s military capability.
Second, the CCP might try to amplify contradictions in Taiwan’s political system with discussion over the submarine project. The aim is to create social tensions and impair Taiwan’s unity in the face of external threats.
Taiwanese should be aware of this and avoid letting disputes affect the progress of military projects. All military projects need extensive support from society. Problems that arise should be dealt with through rational discussion and a transparent oversight framework, instead of engaging in behavior that creates unnecessary polarization.
Third, the CCP might launch a diplomatic offensive with the submarine issue to debilitate Taiwan’s participation in international military cooperation. Especially in situations in which Taiwan and the US cooperate, it might attempt to devitalize Taiwan’s ties with its allies.
Taiwanese must remain confident and keep promoting cooperation with international partners to bolster the nation’s defense capabilities.
Defense autonomy and international cooperation are not contradictory, but complementary in terms of building a safety net for Taiwan.
Fourth, stirring up controversies over the Hai Kun issue is part of the CCP’s Taiwan policy. Facing these challenges, Taiwanese should be determined to safeguard autonomy in national defense, and stay united in promoting Taiwan’s military and political development.
It is the only way to ensure Taiwan’s security and future in the face of external threats.
Wang Tien-yu
Taipei
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