Editorial | Better ways for US to win hearts and minds
US$1.6 billion pledged in proposed bill targeting China’s ‘malign influence’ would be more wisely invested in aiding underdeveloped nations
China-United States relations hardly need further reason for tensions, what with disputes over tariffs, trade offices, semiconductors and the South China Sea. But it is hard to imagine a proposed US law for an information campaign to target China’s alleged “malign influence” abroad doing anything but adding fuel to the fire.
The US House of Representatives has passed the Countering the PRC Malign Influence Fund Authorisation Act of 2023 and pledged US$1.6 billion to promote what observers describe as anti-China propaganda. It still needs Senate and presidential approval to become law.
If it does, it will mark another shameful step backward for the world’s most important bilateral relationship.
Disinformation campaigns are not new. The US has complained that Russia interfered in its recent elections, and Washington historically is no stranger to covert disinformation campaigns itself.
Struggles for control of information come with the territory in great power relations. Yet rarely are the efforts so brazenly announced.
