Taiwan Elects President Despite China’s Failed Propaganda Campaign
Taiwan’s presidential election took place on Saturday, with Vice President Lai Ching-te emerging as the elected president despite a failed propaganda campaign orchestrated by China. This outcome could potentially indicate the limits of China’s ability to sow discord ahead of the upcoming 2024 U.S. election.
Despite warnings and interference from Beijing, Taiwan’s voters disregarded China’s favoritism towards a candidate it deemed as a separatist and troublemaker. Chinese propagandists had conducted an internet-based influence campaign, employing false information, fake social media accounts, and promoting a fictitious tell-all book to discredit Taiwan’s outgoing president.
These deceptive tactics largely revolved around disparaging Taiwan’s democracy and outgoing president, themes that China’s government often pushes. However, the impact of the propaganda remains uncertain as pro-China messaging on social media platforms tends to receive limited engagement.
In recent years, China-linked information operations have emerged as a serious threat. Meta, a social media analytics firm, uncovered a substantial pro-China campaign in November, which it described as the largest cross-platform covert influence operation to date. This campaign, despite its size, garnered little attention or engagement.
China’s embassy in Washington denied any involvement in such activities, stating that the accusations were clear disinformation and emphasizing China’s respect for Taiwan’s social system.
Taiwan’s election served as a referendum on its future relationship with China, as outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), supported independence more than the rival Kuomintang. However, the DPP did lose its legislative majority in this election.
Graphika, a social media analytics firm, published a report in December highlighting the use of fake accounts to promote anti-democracy messaging during Taiwan’s elections. Although these accounts had minimal traction, pro-China information operations persisted, even utilizing artificial intelligence to create personas pushing the fake book about President Tsai.
The unauthorized e-book entitled The Secret History of Tsai Ing-wen contained unsubstantiated claims aimed at denigrating her personal life and family. While videos promoting the book appeared on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, the videos have since been removed.
YouTube, TikTok, and Meta confirmed that they have been actively removing fake accounts engaged in spreading this propaganda. YouTube stated that it has been working diligently in the lead-up to the Taiwanese elections and has taken down a significant number of channels for policy violations.
China has reiterated its long-standing position that it has sovereignty over Taiwan and criticized the United States for arming the self-ruling democracy. President Joe Biden has expressed his commitment to defending Taiwan if faced with a Chinese invasion. The United States has also stated its opposition to any attempts to interfere in Taiwan’s elections.
As China continues to exert influence and shape election outcomes, the outcome in Taiwan serves as a testament to the resilience of a democratic society. Despite China’s efforts, Taiwanese voters have demonstrated their determination to make their own choices and uphold their democratic principles.
