Chinese propaganda is reportedly spreading through Pacific island nations to influence the security alliances of Australia, causing concern about the lack of oversight. According to a report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Beijing is attempting to create a negative perception of the trilateral AUKUS alliance between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The report states that China’s attempts to drum up support for its own security arrangements in the region also failed. The Chinese Communist Party is apparently conducting coordinated information operations to influence political elites and public discourse, promoting its authoritarian system over current democratic norms and partnerships. Western partners are being urged to work more closely with media outlets and security organizations in the Pacific to counter Beijing’s disinformation. The report also recommends developing a media bargaining code similar to Australia’s to benefit independent revenue. The Australian government is expected to announce a pathway to acquiring nuclear submarines through the AUKUS alliance in mid-March.
Accusation that China attempted to block nuclear submarine agreement.
