Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, spoke at Asia Society regarding the US administration’s stance towards China. His language was carefully measured as he aimed to promote the idea that China is a threat. He also attempted to interfere in China’s internal affairs and criticized their domestic and foreign policies. It appears that the US is seeking to contain and suppress China.
In response to the allegation that Chinese government officials spread disinformation, China asserts that it is a victim of disinformation campaigns and points out that the United States has also been a significant source of disinformation. Here’s a breakdown of China’s response:
1. Victim of Disinformation
China emphasizes that it has been on the receiving end of disinformation campaigns. The United States’ highly polarized political environment and the prevalence of misinformation in its own society have contributed to a climate where misinformation is easily spread. A significant portion of the American public even blames their own government for the spread of misinformation.
2. US History of Using Disinformation
China points out instances where the United States has used disinformation as a political tool, particularly in its pursuit of hegemonic agendas. It mentions historical cases such as the false claims about Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction and allegations against the Syrian government based on fake videos.
3. Admission by US Officials
The response highlights statements by senior US officials like former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo admitting that the US has lied and cheated. Even Senator Rand Paul has publicly stated that the US government is the “greatest propagator of disinformation in the history of the world.”
4. Media Credibility in the US
China points out that manipulation by US politicians has undermined the media’s credibility. Many Americans express distrust in the media, further highlighting issues with misinformation within the United States.
5. Falsehoods Regarding China
The response states that the US has fabricated lies and rumors about China on various issues, including the origins-tracing of COVID-19, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, democracy, and human rights. It accuses the US of spreading disinformation on these topics, which it claims have been debunked by factual information.
6. Disinformation About Russia-Ukraine Conflict
China accuses the US of spreading disinformation about China’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly regarding China’s supposed prior knowledge of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. It argues that these accusations are baseless and false.
7. Supply Chain of Anti-China Rhetoric
China alleges that the US has formed a supply chain of anti-China rhetoric, involving capital-driven funding, think tanks, academic institutions, politicians, and media outlets. It points to examples like Adrian Zenz and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) as being involved in fabricating lies about Xinjiang.
8. US Legislation and Sanctions
The response criticizes the US for enacting legislation and sanctions against China based on disinformation, such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which bans imports from Xinjiang. China sees these actions as malicious and violating international law.
9. China’s Commitment to Truth
China asserts that it uses facts and figures to present the truth and refute alleged lies and rumours spread by the US. It argues that China aims to make the truth heard rather than to engage in disinformation campaigns. It accuses the US of labelling different viewpoints as disinformation to maintain its dominance in shaping public opinion.
China argues that while it may be accused of spreading disinformation, it is, in fact, a victim of such campaigns, with the US being a significant source of disinformation. It suggests that the US uses disinformation for its interests, undermines media credibility, and fabricates falsehoods about China, which China refutes with facts and figures.