Beijing’s Confidence in Influencing Elections Growing Amid Advanced Techniques.
The Chinese authorities have been growing increasingly confident in their ability to influence elections both within the United States and globally, according to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines. Speaking at a Senate hearing on foreign threats to the 2024 elections, she explained that China has refined its influence operation tools through artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics.
In her testimony, Haines outlined the various tactics employed by China in their efforts to sway election results. These include bankrolling candidates, utilizing deep fake technologies to generate content, collecting polling data to determine targets for them, and conducting social media influence operations. Furthermore, she highlighted that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China’s armed forces, operates multiple accounts on various social media platforms as part of their efforts.
Notably, Beijing has sought to exert its influence not only in the United States but also in Taiwan, Australia, and Canada, according to Haines. The recent aggressive Chinese attempts to sway election results were evident during January’s events in mainland China’s island neighbor Taiwan. As the U.S. presidential election draws closer, concerns have been mounting regarding Beijing’s role in potentially impacting the outcome of the election.
Both President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have expressed such concerns during their recent talks with Chinese officials. Haines reiterated this sentiment at Wednesday’s hearing by stating that China is among “the most significant foreign actors who engage in foreign influence activity directed at the United States in relation to our elections.” She also noted Beijing’s continued efforts to promote politicians at all levels who are taking positions favorable to China on key issues.