
China has been exposed for using social media to manipulate political events in Western nations, with a recent operation in Spain revealing how the Chinese Communist Party is working to stir unrest. This latest revelation raises questions about whether similar efforts are underway in the United States.
A report from Graphika identified a Chinese-backed operation, known as Spamouflage, that sought to undermine Spain’s leadership by impersonating activists online. The campaign targeted both Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government and Valencia’s regional leadership, capitalizing on public anger over deadly floods that struck the region in October.
Chinese operatives, posing as Spanish citizens, spread messages on platforms such as X, TikTok, and Facebook, calling for the government to be overthrown.
This kind of online influence operation is not new. Spamouflage has been active since at least 2017, with documented efforts to manipulate political discourse in Canada and the United States. During the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Chinese operatives reportedly posed as American social media users, spreading divisive content to deepen political divisions. Rather than backing a single party or ideology, the goal appeared to be undermining public trust in democratic institutions.
China has denied any involvement in election interference, but intelligence reports have suggested otherwise. Beijing’s digital influence campaigns are believed to target multiple Western nations, using social media platforms to shape public opinion and create instability. By disguising operatives as local voices, these operations can push narratives that mislead the public while hiding their true origins.
With U.S. elections approaching, there is growing concern that China may intensify its efforts to manipulate online discourse. Lawmakers and intelligence agencies are monitoring Beijing’s activities, looking for signs of foreign interference that could disrupt the political landscape.
The exposure of China’s efforts in Spain serves as a warning that Beijing is willing to use digital tactics to influence global politics. Similar influence campaigns may already be in motion in the United States, making it a top priority for national security officials.