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Chinese Misinformation Campaign Targeted Japanese PM Takaichi, Analysis Reveals
A sophisticated Chinese misinformation campaign targeted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her February election win, according to new research from a U.S. national security think tank.
The Foundation for Defense of Democracy’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation identified 35 accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and nine Tumblr channels that aggressively portrayed Takaichi as “illegitimate and militaristic.” These accounts characterized the conservative prime minister as a reckless “cult-backed” leader pushing Japan toward war, according to researcher Maria Riofrio.
This digital operation appears to be part of a much larger network of at least 327 social media accounts that have systematically attacked Beijing’s adversaries since at least December. The network has targeted not only Japan but also attempted to influence politics in the United States, the Philippines, and several Latin American countries.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Takaichi confirmed her office is aware of the suspicious foreign social media activities related to Japan’s elections. “We consider this to be a national security threat that undermines the very foundations of democracy, including the fairness of elections and freedom of the press,” the spokesperson stated, emphasizing that countermeasures must be urgently prioritized.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington firmly rejected these allegations. Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu called the analysis “groundless” and stated, “The Chinese government consistently opposes and combats the use of fake accounts and other tactics to manipulate public opinion or spread disinformation.” Liu urged “relevant parties to stop making unfounded accusations and smearing others based on speculation.”
Riofrio identified the campaign targeting Takaichi as part of the long-running Chinese information operations known among cybersecurity experts as “Spamouflage” or “Dragonbridge.” While engagement with the content appears limited, the posts still reached significant audiences. One tweet accusing Takaichi of cult membership received just two likes but was viewed more than 1,000 times, demonstrating how these operations manipulate algorithms to boost visibility.
“China has the political will to interfere in Japanese elections and internal affairs,” Riofrio concluded, noting similar operations target other nations, particularly the United States.
The research also revealed that nearly half of the 327 identified accounts attacked former U.S. President Donald Trump, pushing narratives that his policies worsened America’s fentanyl crisis while deflecting blame from China. In a coordinated messaging campaign in early February, six accounts with fewer than 10 followers each managed to attract hundreds of engagements and nearly 18,000 views.
One particularly sophisticated account, “FentanylFreeA,” created in December 2025, mimicked the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s legitimate Fentanyl Free America campaign, using similar naming and identical imagery while attacking both the U.S. and India.
The Dragonbridge/Spamouflage operations have been active since at least 2017, repeatedly targeting global audiences. A spokesperson for Google’s Threat Intelligence Group described Dragonbridge as “the most prolific pro-PRC information operations operator” they track as of early 2026, noting its “massive scale and assertive narrative agenda.”
While maintaining focus on the U.S., overseas dissidents, and international NGOs, these operations have become “notably more assertive in the Asia-Pacific,” the Google spokesperson said. Recent targets include Japanese political leadership, Japan-Taiwan relations, Vietnam’s South China Sea activities, India, and the Philippine government.
The revelations come as OpenAI reported Wednesday that it had disrupted attempts in mid-October by a Chinese law enforcement official to plan a multi-stage information attack on Prime Minister Takaichi, further highlighting the persistent nature of these digital influence campaigns.
This case underscores growing concerns about foreign interference in democratic processes worldwide and the increasingly sophisticated methods employed to shape public opinion across international boundaries.
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18 Comments
This report underscores the importance of media literacy and digital hygiene. Citizens must be able to critically evaluate online information and spot coordinated disinformation campaigns.
Agreed. Educating the public on recognizing and resisting manipulation tactics should be a key part of the solution. Strengthening democratic resilience is crucial.
I’m not surprised to hear about China’s efforts to interfere in elections and undermine their adversaries. This is part of their broader strategy to expand global influence. Vigilance is needed to protect the integrity of democratic processes.
Absolutely. Ongoing monitoring and investigation into these influence campaigns is critical. We must stay ahead of evolving tactics and hold bad actors accountable.
Wow, this is a concerning report on the scale and reach of China’s influence operations. Targeting elections and politics in multiple countries is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
I agree, the use of social media to spread disinformation and sway politics is a growing threat to democracy. Transparency and fact-checking are crucial to counter these tactics.
The scale of China’s influence operations is alarming. Targeting elections in multiple countries shows their willingness to undermine democratic processes worldwide. Robust defenses and international cooperation are needed.
Absolutely. These foreign interference attempts pose a serious threat that can’t be ignored. Protecting the integrity of elections must be a top priority for all free and open societies.
This is a stark reminder that the threat of foreign influence in domestic politics is very real. Rigorous analysis and transparency around these activities is critical to maintaining public trust.
I agree. Independent research and reporting on these influence operations is essential. We must remain vigilant and work together to safeguard democratic institutions.
This report highlights the sophisticated and pervasive nature of China’s influence operations. It’s a sobering reminder that the threat of foreign meddling in domestic politics is an ongoing challenge for democracies.
Absolutely. Maintaining the integrity of electoral processes must be a top priority. Continuous monitoring, public awareness, and robust countermeasures are essential to protect democratic institutions.
It’s concerning to see China’s use of social media to target elections and political figures in multiple countries. This speaks to the need for greater cooperation and information-sharing to counter these tactics.
Yes, international coordination and a unified response will be key. Governments, tech platforms, and civil society must work together to strengthen resilience against foreign interference.
It’s concerning to see such a sophisticated and wide-ranging influence operation targeting multiple countries. This highlights the need for international cooperation to combat foreign interference in domestic politics.
Yes, a coordinated response across borders will be essential. Sharing intelligence and best practices for defense against these threats should be a priority.
The details in this report are deeply concerning. China’s coordinated efforts to undermine their adversaries’ politics through disinformation campaigns are a serious threat to global stability.
I agree. This calls for a strong, united response from the international community. Collaborative efforts to expose and counter these influence operations are crucial.