Part 13/16:
Disinformation and Influence Campaigns
Amidst these tensions, reports emerged in June 2024 alleging that the U.S. conducted covert influence campaigns in the Philippines to undermine China's vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. These secret operations, allegedly started during the Trump administration and continued under Biden, purportedly aimed to diminish Chinese influence by spreading misinformation and promoting U.S.-favored narratives on social media. Such allegations deepen mistrust and complicate diplomatic efforts.