The Federal Bureau of Investigation has conducted classified briefings with select U.S. lawmakers, warning them about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) plans to spread fabricated stories aimed at undermining their support for Taiwan, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter.
The defensive briefings, which took place in fall, revealed that the CCP intends to create false narratives suggesting certain lawmakers back Taiwan due to alleged bribe-taking. This calculated move appears designed to weaken congressional backing for Taiwan's democracy by portraying the relationship as corrupt and contrary to American interests.
The warnings come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, particularly regarding Taiwan's status. The self-governing democracy, which China claims as its territory, remains a critical U.S. ally in Asia.
The FBI's pre-emptive alerts align with China's increasingly sophisticated tactics to influence American politics. Since the 2022 midterm elections, Beijing has ramped up efforts to amplify political divisions in the U.S. and target congressional candidates perceived as hostile to Chinese interests, particularly regarding Taiwan policy.
Recent examples of China's expanding influence operations include covert disinformation campaigns using artificial intelligence and fake social media accounts impersonating Americans. These campaigns have specifically targeted prominent lawmakers known for their strong stance on China, including House Foreign Affairs Chairman Mike McCaul and Senator Marsha Blackburn.
Rep. John Moolenaar, who chairs the select House committee on the CCP, acknowledged Beijing's broader targeting of U.S. officials, stating "The CCP will try to discredit our way of life, our freedoms and will use every means necessary."
The revelation of this planned disinformation campaign follows other concerning developments, including recent White House disclosures about extensive Chinese hacking operations targeting U.S. telecommunications companies and compromising American citizens' communications.
While the FBI declined to comment on the briefings, and several House Intelligence Committee members were unable to discuss the classified information, the warnings underscore growing concerns about China's multipronged approach to undermining U.S. democratic institutions and international relationships.
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