POLITICS

China's Information Game: Are We Playing It Right?

ChinaThu Jan 09 2025
China has been flexing its military muscles with new ships. But there's another battlefield we should worry about: information. While China fills up airwaves in Africa and Europe, the U. S. is still focusing on traditional wars. Their approach, called "information warfare, " shapes global thoughts with news and stories. We're not ready for this fight. The Pentagon's report says it's there, but we're not taking it seriously enough. China's known for creating growth and controlling how the world sees them. They've got radio stations, news channels, and even social media platforms like TikTok spreading their story. Meanwhile, many countries are investing more in China due to this influence. To keep up, the U. S. might need a new agency focused just on this type of warfare. It could be part of the Defense Department, using their tech and cyber skills to stay ahead. This agency would coordinate with other groups to create a solid plan, just like China does. But it's crucial not to drop our focus on traditional fighting power. Balancing both is key to staying strong.

questions

    Are popular social media platforms like TikTok secretly part of a larger Chinese plot to control global narratives?
    What steps should the U.S. take immediately to counter China's information warfare tactics?
    Can the U.S. effectively balance the need for information warfare with the preservation of democratic values and press freedom?

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