Thread by @barros_bryce

These tactics, within the context of #CCP-backed influence operations, aren't new. However, the intent to dive deeper into the American culture wars and conversations around race and discrimination in a more nuanced manner is a break from the past.

cyberscoop.com/china-social-m…

In Taiwan, Australia, Canada, and even allegedly here in the US, CCP has backed protests and demonstrations against issues perceived as national strategic priorities by leaders in Beijing. The best-alleged example is the 2008 Olympic Torch protests in SF.

theatlantic.com/international/…

Then SF Mayor, @GavinNewsom, was alleged told by a PRC envoy to clamp down on anti-China protests against the Olympic Torch relay thru to the city. Mayor Newsom refused.

So Chinese authorities allegedly orchestrated counter-protests which were duplicated worldwide:

Similarly, during the lead-up to the 2016 US Presidential Election, Russian state-backed troll farms also waded into the American culture wars by organizing opposing protests on Facebook in Houston around Muslims.

texastribune.org/2017/11/01/rus…

It appears that this disinfo and influence network spread across YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, had taken a page from the Russian 2016 playbook. Though success is relative, it does demonstrate the PRC has the resources to continue these kinds of ops.

cyberscoop.com/china-social-m…