China's skillful use of 'Useful Idiots' draws attention

Every country likes to promote itself, but China has more reasons than most to do so.

With few real friends and allies around the world, an Orwellian police surveillance state at home, and coercive bullying abroad, China is always on the lookout for schemes and individuals that will highlight any positive virtues.

One way that China can gain positive publicity is to use its economic clout and a willing bevy of what are commonly called “useful idiots” to spout its praises. Sometimes these mouthpieces are foreign politicians, businesspeople, or academics, but increasingly it is social media influencers who are being co-opted willingly or in ignorance to push Chinese Communist Party (CCP) talking points.

Such people are increasingly promoting or defending China’s position on sensitive political issues. Especially during times of tension or criticism, China rolls out supporters to deflect arguments or attempt to seize back its narrative. Prime examples include the origins of COVID-19 and China’s draconian lockdowns, ownership of the South China Sea and Beijing’s dismissal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s verdict, the status of Tibet, the incarceration of Muslims in Xinjiang, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.