With the U.S. presidential election fast approaching, U.S. intelligence officials have issued a stark warning: China's latest efforts to influence the outcome is shifting away from the presidential race and toward state and local candidates.
This new focus is part of a broader strategy by Beijing to build relationships with officials who could eventually advance China's interests.
Local and state elections have become prime targets for Chinese interference because they receive far less scrutiny than national races, making it easier for China's influence campaigns to fly under the radar.
One example of China's influence operations is its use of disinformation campaigns designed to exploit divisive issues such as immigration, racial justice, and economic inequality.
Despite these efforts, controlling the full scope of foreign influence operations remains a daunting challenge.
Persons:
they've, Brandon Wales, they're, cyberthreats, Javad Abed, Abed, George Floyd, Kent Walker, Mark Warner, John Cohen, Cohen
Organizations:
U.S, Infrastructure Security Agency, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Microsoft, Intelligence, Senate Intelligence, Center for Internet Security
Locations:
Beijing, Washington, Russia, China, Iran, U.S, Wales