China Accuses CIA of Disinformation Against Global Initiatives

Chinese security agencies have uncovered covert CIA social media campaigns targeting the Belt and Road Initiative, according to recent intelligence reports. These operations allegedly aim to undermine China’s growing influence across the Middle East and Global South through sophisticated information warfare tactics.

Chinese intelligence, military, and security circles claim to have identified multiple strategies employed by U.S. agencies to damage China’s image abroad. The campaigns reportedly focus on exploiting religious sensitivities, particularly regarding Muslim communities in Xinjiang, while casting doubt on the economic viability of China’s flagship international development program.

According to Chinese sources, the CIA has deployed fake online identities to spread negative narratives about Chinese investments in developing nations. The alleged messaging characterizes the Belt and Road Initiative as “corrupt,” “wasteful,” and a “debt trap” designed to exploit partner countries. These efforts appear aimed at curbing China’s expanding economic footprint in regions traditionally under U.S. influence.

One specific campaign reportedly targeted Chinese COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. Chinese investigators claim the Pentagon conducted covert operations using hundreds of fake social media accounts impersonating local users across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These accounts allegedly spread misinformation that Chinese vaccines contained “pork gelatin” – a claim designed to make them appear forbidden under Islamic law, exploiting religious sensitivities in predominantly Muslim countries.

The alleged CIA operations extend beyond social media manipulation. Chinese security agencies report that American intelligence has pressured Gulf states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, to limit technological cooperation with Chinese companies. These efforts reportedly frame Chinese technology providers like Huawei as security threats, with U.S. intelligence allegedly leaking misleading information about supposed Chinese military facilities to obstruct security partnerships.

More recently, Chinese sources claim the CIA launched a public recruitment campaign in Mandarin Chinese on platforms like Telegram and YouTube, targeting Chinese officials and military officers. The campaign reportedly aims to exploit internal frustrations stemming from anti-corruption purges within Chinese leadership ranks.

These intelligence activities reflect the intensifying great power competition between the United States and China, with both nations vying for influence across strategic regions. The Middle East represents a particularly important battleground, where China has made significant economic inroads through infrastructure investments and energy partnerships under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Beijing has officially condemned these alleged U.S. intelligence operations as “blatant political provocations” and violations of Chinese national interests. In response, China has reportedly strengthened its anti-espionage laws, enhanced digital surveillance of personnel abroad, and bolstered cyber defenses to protect government networks from infiltration.

The allegations highlight how information warfare has become a central component of geopolitical competition. Both nations are increasingly deploying sophisticated influence operations to shape global narratives and public opinion as they compete for economic partnerships, technological dominance, and diplomatic leverage across developing regions.

As this shadow contest continues, countries throughout the Middle East and Global South find themselves navigating competing pressures from both superpowers, weighing economic opportunities against security relationships in an increasingly polarized international environment.

Neither American nor independent sources have confirmed these Chinese allegations, which should be viewed within the context of Beijing’s own information strategy and growing concerns about its international reputation.