Wall Street Insider Issues Crash Prediction

As AI stocks stumble/swing, Whitney Tilson just went on camera once again with his latest crash warning. If you have money in a single stock right now -- especially a tech stock -- you need to see what he's calling for today.

In global game of influence, China turns to a cheap and effective tool: fake news

DIDI TANG and DAVID KLEPPER
September 28, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) -- When veteran U.S. diplomat Kurt Campbell traveled to the Solomon Islands to counter Beijing's influence in the South Pacific country, he quickly saw just how far China would go to spread its message.

The Biden administration's Asia czar woke up one morning in 2022 to a long article in the local press about the U.S. running chemical and biological labs in Ukraine, a claim that Washington calls an outright lie. Started by Russia, the false and incendiary claim was vigorously amplified by China's vast overseas propaganda apparatus.

It was another example of "clearly effective Russian and Chinese disinformation," Campbell told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in July.

Two years later, the claim still reverberates online, demonstrating China's sprawling effort to reshape global perceptions. The campaign, costing many billions per year, is becoming ever more sophisticated thanks to artificial intelligence. China's operations have caught the attention of intelligence analysts and policymakers in Washington, who vow to combat any actions that could influence the November election or undermine American interests.

The key tactic: networks of websites purporting to be legitimate news outlets, delivering pro-China coverage that often parallels official statements and positions from Beijing.

Shannon Van Sant, an adviser to the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, tracked a network of dozens of sites that posed as news organizations. One site mimicked The New York Times, using a similar font and design in what she called an attempt at legitimacy. The site carried strongly pro-Chinese messages.

When Van Sant researched the site's reporters she found no information. Their names didn't belong to any known journalists working in China, and their photos bore telltale signs of being created with AI.

"Manipulation of the media is ultimately a manipulation of readers and the audience, and this is damaging to democracy and society," Van Sant said.

Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S., said allegations that China uses news websites and social media to spread pro-Beijing information and influence public opinion in the U.S. "are full of malicious speculations against China, which China firmly opposes."

In addition to its state media, Beijing has turned to foreign players -- real or not -- to relay messages and lend credibility to narratives favoring the Communist Party, said Xiao Qiang, a research scientist at the School of Information at the University of California, Berkeley. Xiao also is editor-in-chief of China Digital Times, a bilingual news website that aggregates information from and about China.

Beijing's methods are wide-ranging and links to the government are often difficult to prove, Xiao said. But whether it's journalists with American-sounding names or an Indian influencer, the consistently pro-Beijing messages give them away.

"The implicit message is the same -- that the Chinese Communist Party works for its people," Xiao said.

Analysts at the cybersecurity firm Logically identified 1,200 websites that had carried Russian or Chinese state media stories. The sites often target specific audiences and have names that sound like traditional news organizations or defunct newspapers.

Unlike Russia or Iran, which have displayed clear preferences in the U.S. presidential campaign, Beijing is more cautious and focused on spreading positive content about China.

While the sites aren't owned by China, they run Chinese content. When Logically looked at content specifically about the U.S. election, 20% could be traced back to Chinese or Russian state media.

"There's a decent likelihood that these articles could influence U.S. audiences without them even knowing where it comes from," said Alex Nelson, Logically's senior manager for strategy and analysis.

According to the Gallup World Poll, more countries surveyed view the U.S. positively, but the share of countries where views of both the U.S. and China are negative overall is higher than 15 years ago, signaling the U.S. doesn't appear to be making gains over China.

Some U.S. officials want to increase spending to even the playing field. The House of Representatives this month approved a bill that would authorize $325 million annually through 2027 to counter China's global influence, including its disinformation campaigns. The measure still needs Senate approval.

"We are in a global competition for influence with China, and if you want to win it, then you cannot do it on a middle-power budget," said Rep. Gregory Meeks, a Democrat from New York.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has demanded a systematic buildup of Chinese narratives that would give his country a global voice "commensurate with" its international stature.

Beijing has invested in state media such as the Xinhua news agency and China Central Television to convey its messages to global audiences in various languages and platforms. Media groups at the local level are creating "international communication centers" to build an overseas presence with websites, news channels and social media accounts.

Beijing also has struck media partnerships worldwide, and the article Campbell read in the Solomon Islands is likely a result of those.

China's outreach is tied to the global race for economic dominance in electric vehicles, computer chips, AI and quantum computing, said Jaret Riddick, a senior fellow at Georgetown University's Center for Security and Emerging Technology.

"The countries that lead on emerging technologies will be the countries that have a great advantage going forward," Riddick said.

To tell its story, Beijing has not shied away from using fake personas. A 2023 State Department report detailed the case of a published writer named Yi Fan, originally described as a Chinese foreign ministry analyst. Yi morphed into a journalist, then became an independent analyst.

Yi's details changed, but the message did not. Through published commentaries and writings, Yi trumpeted close ties between China and Africa, praised Beijing's approach to environmental sustainability and argued that China must counter distorted Western narratives.

Then there was Wilson Edwards, a supposed Swiss virologist quoted in Chinese media as a COVID-19 expert who criticized the U.S. response. But Swiss officials found no evidence he existed.

"If you exist, we would like to meet you!" the Swiss Embassy in Beijing wrote on social media.

___

AP writer Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux contributed from Washington.

Continue Reading...

Popular

Which Industries Have The Highest Cannabis Consumption At Work? New Data Has Answers

Explore the latest CDC analysis on workplace cannabis use across industries. Discover which sectors are driving this trend!

LA County sues Pepsi, Coca-Cola over plastic bottles

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County is taking on Pepsi and Coke for their role in plastic pollution.

Unlock the Ultimate Gold Play: $20 for a 1-Oz. Stake in Gold! - Ad

Gold has already soared past $2,500 an ounce. But with this 'backdoor' strategy, you can gain exposure to over an ounce for just $20. As the Fed cuts rates, the stage is set for a major gold boom.

A promising schizophrenia drug showed mixed results. What does that mean for patients?

Some people who took a new schizophrenia drug for a year improved with only a few side effects, but many dropped out of the research, the company announced Thursday.

US economy is believed to have grown at a solid pace again last quarter

WASHINGTON (AP) — Powered by consumer spending, the U.S. economy likely kept expanding at a healthy pace from July through September despite the pressure of still-high interest rates.

Elon: Tesla Is a Robotics Company Now - Ad

Elon Musk's new plan for Tesla's future has nothing to do with electric cars... TechRadar reports it "will blow your mind..." & McKinsey says it "will shape the coming decade." We recently got our hands on a video clip detailing this breakthrough.

Robert Downey Jr. says he 'intends to sue' all future executives who use his AI replica

LOS ANGELES (AP) — doesn't think Marvel executives would ever recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark using artificial intelligence. But if they did, he would lawyer up — even posthumously.

Kamala Harris Could Trigger a 50% Stock Collapse - Ad

Former CIA advisor who predicted President Trump's win in 2016 has an urgent Election Warning for ALL Americans. Most Americans are missing this...Kamala Harris and her progressive goons could trigger a 50% stock collapse, the final demise of the dollar, and even violent riots.

AMD Making 'Great Progress' With AI Giants: Jim Cramer Says AI Chip Story Is 'Not Just Jensen Huang'

Although Nvidia has dominated the AI chip market to date, Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su believes AMD will continue to see significant growth in the AI space — and she's not alone.

McDonald's E. coli case count rises as federal officials inspect an onion grower

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials on Wednesday reported more cases of among people who ate at McDonald’s, as government investigators seeking the outbreak’s source identified an “onion grower of interest” in Washington state.

Prepare for President Kamala - Ad

I won't be voting for her. Even so, I'm worried VP Kamala Harris could pull off a victory and become our next president. And it would be much worse than anything you might expect--especially when it comes to your money. Because likely WON'T get a second chance at recovering the money you stand to lose if she takes power.

Root Stock Is Soaring Thursday: What's Going On?

Root, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROOT) shares are trading higher Thursday after the company reported better-than-expected third-quarter earnings. Here's what you need to know.

What's Going On With Taiwan Semiconductor Stock On Wednesday? (UPDATED)

Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE: TSM) halts chip shipments to 2 firms linked to Huawei, raises concerns about supply chain disruptions and US sanctions.

The 7th Trillion Dollar Company? - Ad

There are six American companies worth over $1 trillion. Could there be a seventh soon? This company signed a massive deal with Apple until 2040 and is also involved with Nvidia, Google, and Samsung. Could this be the next trillion-dollar company? A top stock expertpicker thinks so.

Ardelyx Beats Q3 Sales Estimates, Shares Climb

Ardelyx reported its third-quarter results after Thursday's closing bell. Here's a look at the details from the report:

My TOP Altcoin for Right Now Is... - Ad

Searching for the top investment opportunity in crypto? Look no further. Our $3 report gives you the full scoop. You'll get this exciting token's name, our recommended investment strategy, and growth projections. Time is of the essence with this one...

Amazon Shares Surge In Pre-Market As Q3 Earnings Beat Expectations

This surge followed the announcement of third-quarter net sales hitting $158.9 billion, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.

Early Nvidia, AMD, and Tesla Investor Shares New AI Picks - Ad

Jeff Brown, the tech expert who recommended Nvidia, AMD, and Tesla, is now releasing new AI stock picks. He believes they could deliver even bigger gains than before.

Elon Musk Want His 11 Kids, Their Mothers To Live In Secret Compound He Bought, New Report Says

Elon Musk could be building a new family compound made up of several mansions to house his children and their mothers, according to a new report.

Jobs report on eve of election will be among the most distorted in years

WASHINGTON (AP) — Four days before Election Day, the government will issue its final snapshot of in the United States after a presidential race in which voter perceptions of the economy have played a central role.

Exposed: Democrats' Secret Plan to Keep Trump Out of the White House - Ad

Former advisor to the CIA, the Pentagon and the White House Jim Rickards just released this shocking new video exposing Democrats' secret plan to keep Trump out of the White House... Even if he wins the election. See the details and learn how to prepare... Because this could trigger the biggest constitutional crisis in our nation's history.

Lower-priced new cars are gaining popularity, and not just for cash-poor buyers

DETROIT (AP) — Had she wanted to, Michelle Chumley could have afforded a pricey new SUV loaded with options. But when it came time to replace her Chevrolet Blazer SUV, for which she'd paid about $40,000 three years ago, Chumley chose something smaller. And less costly.

New Token Poised for Breakout as "Defi 2.0" Takes Off - Ad

Revealed: The #1 DeFi Coin Driving Financial Revolution. Experts hail this as the cornerstone of the new decentralized finance era. While Bitcoin dominates headlines, this governance token is quietly reshaping lending markets. Experts suggest accumulating before institutional money flows in.

Microsoft fires employees who organized vigil for Palestinians killed in Gaza

Microsoft has fired two employees who organized an unauthorized vigil at the company's headquarters for Palestinians killed in Gaza during Israel's war with Hamas.

A failed mic leaves Donald Trump pacing the stage in silence for nearly 20 minutes

DETROIT (AP) — paced his rally stage in silence for nearly 20 minutes Friday night in Detroit after his microphone cut out.

Costco Gold Mania - Ad

They sell out "within a few hours" of going online, says Costco's CFO. And more than 77% of Costco stores have completely sold out as well. Despite the clear mania in gold... according to the gold experts at Stansberry Research, there's an EVEN BETTER way to invest in gold, without rushing to Costco to buy gold bars.

Trump To Joe Rogan: 'Biggest Mistake' Was Trusting 'Bad' And 'Disloyal' People

On Friday night, "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast hosted by Joe Rogan finally aired its long-awaited episode with Donald Trump

Mary Trump On Assault Claim Against Trump: 'He Knows Discovery Would Destroy Him'

Former model Stacey Williams has come forward with allegations of sexual assault against Donald Trump dating back to 1993.

Shocking Footage from Bill Gates' $100 Billion AI Project - Ad

Jeff Brown flew to Wisconsin to witness Bill Gates' $100 billion AI project firsthand. What he uncovered will blow your mind!

Boeing workers will vote on a new contract offer to end 7-week-old strike

SEATTLE (AP) — The union representing striking Boeing factory workers says members will vote Monday on a new contract offer from the company that provides slightly bigger wage increases than an offer that was rejected last week.

New "Living Missile" to Replace Nuclear Missiles - Ad

CBS News Reports: "It's an entirely new type of weapon." The New York Times Reports: "No existing defense can stop it." And one small company is building them for the Pentagon!

Bezos Faces Newsroom Rebellion Over Decision To Kill Washington Post Harris Endorsement

The Washington Post's surprise decision not to endorse a candidate for president for the first time in four decades has resulted in internal discord and the resignation of a senior editor at the traditionally Democratic newspaper.

The Bible Reveals Incoming Attack on America - Ad

The signs are all around us... just as foretold in Scripture. America's greatest enemies are preparing to launch a devastating attack -- one that could cripple our economy, freeze our financial system, and send shockwaves across the globe. We've uncovered a prophetic passage that may hold the key to what's coming next. You can still protect your wealth -- before it's too late.

Bill Gates Had A 'Very Bad Habit' That Could Have Derailed His Career

While at Harvard, Bill Gates had a bad habit he liked to show off. The habit was later fixed as it wasn't something in the business world appreciated.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright finstrategist.com
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service