China’s AI-Powered Disinformation Tactics: Threats and Implications

 

Charis June Lee

July 16, 2025

 

Executive Summary

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) government strategically uses disinformation to manipulate public perception both at home and abroad. Domestically, disinformation is a core instrument of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), used to control public information and discussions. Case studies like the 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy protests and the 50 Cent Army reflect this. The integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) significantly enhances disinformation campaigns by reducing costs, increasing speed and scale, and creating content with more perceived authenticity. This makes attributing campaigns to state actors even more challenging. Tactics include deepfakes, astroturfing, and fake online personas to push narratives and sow division. Operations such as Spamouflage and interference in the 2024 Taiwanese presidential election reflect the growing sophistication of these efforts. This escalating threat requires a strong policy response across technological, societal, and diplomatic fronts.

Policy implications include:

• AI-generated Content Identification: Social media platforms and users are increasingly vulnerable to AI-powered disinformation. Policymakers should consider investing in large-scale detection technology and requiring watermarks for AI-generated content.
• Bilateral Dialogue with the PRC: Disinformation campaigns are becoming more difficult to attribute to state actors as GenAI allows individuals to hide behind AI- generated personas. Policymakers should pursue increased dialogue with the PRC on GenAI and social media, focusing on shared rules and restrictions.
• Media Literacy Initiatives: The barriers to creating high quality disinformation content, like high cost and manpower, are eroding. Policymakers should consider investing in media literacy initiatives to help the public identify AI-generated content.

 

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