China's Influence Playbook: Fake Accounts and Diplomatic Intrigue in the Philippines

A Philippine marketing agency, InfinitUs, reportedly orchestrated a disinformation campaign paid for by China, leveraging fake social media profiles to bolster China's image while diminishing U.S. influence and disparaging Western vaccines. The strategic use of false narratives aimed to weaken support for the U.S.-Philippine alliance, according to internal documents reviewed by Reuters.

The activities fit a broader pattern of allegedly foreign-sponsored influence operations in the Philippines, where social media has amplified their reach. The campaign coincides with China's military ambitions and has raised concerns among Filipino politicians about the integrity of democratic discourse.

Despite China's denial of interference, evidence points to their involvement in cultivating positive sentiment through cash awards and online manipulation, as seen in the firm's efforts to create a pro-China media outlet, Ni Hao Manila. The operation highlights the increasing sophistication and impact of digital influence tactics.