China’s use of propaganda may outwit US if Taiwan conflict arises, experts warn

As tensions simmer in the Taiwan Strait, experts are sounding the alarm about China's potential to leverage propaganda tactics, honed by its study of recent global conflicts, to outmaneuver the United States. Retired US Lieutenant General S. Clinton Hinote expressed concern, noting that Beijing's analysis of information warfare employed during the wars in Iran and Ukraine could sharpen its own capabilities.

Hinote specifically highlighted the propaganda emanating from Iran since February, suggesting that China would deploy similar strategies if a conflict were to erupt over Taiwan. He warned of a "struggle for what is true, what is right," and expressed worry that the American public is not sufficiently "hardened" against the disinformation campaigns that could be unleashed.

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That’s coming,”

This warning comes as Beijing continues to view Taiwan as an inalienable part of China, with the potential for reunification by force. While most nations, including the US, do not formally recognize Taiwan as an independent state, Washington remains committed to opposing any forceful takeover and continues to supply Taiwan with defensive weaponry. The potential for a sophisticated information warfare campaign by China adds another complex layer to an already volatile geopolitical situation.

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There’s this struggle for what is true, what is right, and it seems like there’s so much disinformation out there right now. I worry a lot that as a people, we, being the United States, aren’t very hardened … for what’s coming.”