In 2019, Trump initiated a CIA covert mission targeting China
President Donald Trump, two years into his term, authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct a covert operation on Chinese social media with the goal of influencing public opinion against the Chinese government. This operation, which began in 2019, involved CIA operatives using internet identities to spread anti-government narratives and leak negative intelligence to foreign news outlets.
The CIA team focused on promoting allegations of corruption within the ruling Communist Party, particularly regarding hidden funds overseas, and criticized China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The goal was to create paranoia among Chinese leaders, forcing the government to invest resources in countering perceived intrusions into their internet infrastructure.
While details of the operations were not disclosed, U.S. officials confirmed that the narratives were based on factual information, despite being disseminated by undercover operatives. The aim was to disrupt Chinese leadership and undermine their influence.
Chelsea Robinson, a spokesperson for the CIA, declined to comment on the existence or impact of the program. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the initiative, accusing the U.S. of using media platforms to spread misinformation and manipulate international opinion.
The CIA operation was a response to China’s aggressive efforts to expand its global influence, particularly through economic and military partnerships with other countries. Trump’s administration took a tough stance against China, leading to the authorization of the covert operation.
It remains unclear whether President Joe Biden’s administration has continued the program, as previous covert action authorizations often carry over between administrations. The risk of escalating tensions with China, given its economic power and potential for retaliation, was a concern raised by intelligence analysts.
This operation reflected a broader strategy to counter Chinese influence globally, targeting public opinion in regions where the U.S. and China compete for influence. The authorization was crafted by Matt Pottinger, a senior National Security Council official, citing various threats posed by China to national security.
Covert messaging allows the U.S. to influence countries where censorship may hinder the spread of information. However, such operations carry risks of backlash and could be used by China to further its narrative of Western intervention and subversion.
The use of covert propaganda campaigns, while a common tactic during the Cold War, could have unintended consequences and impact dissenting voices critical of China. The balance of influence operations in the geopolitical landscape remains a complex challenge for U.S. foreign policy.
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