On May 21, 2024, Foresight published an article authored by Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law, entitled “The Ecosystem of Digital Influence Operations in China and Russia.” This article explores the intricate ecosystem of influence operations carried out by Russia and China, key players in this field, encompassing government agencies, state-owned media, local media, and advertising agencies. Professor Ichihara highlighted the multifaceted and complex nature of the departments responsible for influence operations in China. Analyzing posts by Xue Jian, the Consul General in Osaka, on X, she found that the topics related to the United States were overwhelmingly negative, indicating a high likelihood that the strategy aimed at driving a wedge between Japan and the United States falls under his wolf warrior diplomacy. Furthermore, she expressed concern over the large number of state-owned media outlets in China, which serve as major platforms for spreading Chinese propaganda abroad. To gain influence overseas, these media expand and strengthen their output in multiple languages and approach local media and advertising agencies, integrating them as actors in their influence operations. Professor Ichihara emphasized that the ecosystem of influence operations carried out by Russia and China is still in the early stages of being understood, and further investigation and countermeasures are urgently needed.

https://www.fsight.jp/articles/-/50611