THREAD on my new report about the united front system. This report traces the structure of the system from its leadership in Beijing, to the agencies carrying it out, the platforms and proxies they work through, and its central role in political interference and tech transfer. 1/ 
More and more is being written about the United Front, but not much has been written about the united front system—the network of agencies, groups and individuals carrying out united front work. This report covers the breadth of the system, which goes far beyond the UFWD. 2/
The UFWD's role is supposedly to coordinate and carry out united front work. It and its local counterparts across China run thousands of united front groups with hundreds of thousands of members. It's also linked to 26+ WeChat accounts active in several countries. 3/
I found that agencies like the Ministry of Education, Ministry of State Security and Ministry of Foreign affairs carry out united front work. Changes in 2018 mean that the UFWD now has more authority over some diplomats tasked with 'diaspora affairs work' (侨务工作). 4/
Most universities have their own UFWDs that carry out UF work: from monitoring religious adherents, managing student informants to setting up databases and alumni associations. State-owned research institutes and enterprises like CAS and Baowu Steel have UFWDs 5/
Private companies are now a growing target of united front work. In 2018 the UFWD set up a united front work pilot site in JD.com. The UFWD has also been working with the propaganda department hold forums for social media influencers and livestreamers 6/
Full report here: aspi.org.au/report/party-s…
The UFWD has nearly doubled in size since 2015 to reflect these new priorities: urban professionals, 'overseas Chinese', Xinjiang and religion. 7/
The report also looks at the targets of united front work, and particularly how these activities manifest through political influence, tech transfer and student associations. Huang Xiangmo, whose Australian residency was cancelled late 2018, is used as a case study. 8/
The report also includes the UK's Christine Lee, an advisor and member of several UFWD-run organisations. Lee runs a group advocating Chinese participation in politics and donated generously to a politician who advocated for the Hinkley Point nuclear project w/ China. 9/
But the UF system's role in tech transfer isn't widely known, and will be detailed in forthcoming research. It's heavily involved in recruitment for and management of the Thousand Talents Plan, supported by united front groups for scientists around the world. 10/
Thank you to those who helped review drafts, including @jichanglulu @zuoluogu @tombschrader and @CliveCHamilton. @PLMattis also helped immensely with planning and coming up with the concept for the paper while he was a visitor at ASPI last year. docs.house.gov/meetings/IG/IG…
The report's structure and some of its resources (see appendices) are designed to help other researchers. By tracing this system from Beijing downwards you can quickly build up a picture of united front works in many countries.
