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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52690224

Archived

In a tense and oppressive trial on Monday, prominent rights defense lawyer Xie Yang received his verdict after more than four years of secret detention and legal struggle.

The Changsha Intermediate People’s Court announced in court on March 23 that Xie Yang was sentenced to five years in prison for his legal rights defense activities. According to informed sources present at the trial, Xie Yang immediately expressed his refusal to accept the judgment after it was read and filed an appeal on the spot. Although legal procedures are still ongoing, observers note that this sentence may mean he will have to spend the remainder of his term entirely in detention.

[...]

An informed source said pessimistically after the verdict: “Xie Yang has been sentenced to five years; it looks like he will have to serve the full term in the detention center.” Such sentiment is not uncommon in China’s legal aid community. In recent years, suppression of human rights lawyers in China has shown signs of becoming normalized, and prolonged pre-trial detention is often viewed by critics as a disguised form of advanced punishment.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52690219

Archived

The scale and intensity of Chinese interference in Europe’s information space is rising, a report by European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) has found.

Russian efforts at foreign manipulation across Europe are well recognised, but China is now catching up. And it has its own very particular ways of interfering in the European information space—“borrowing mouths” of useful locals; getting “news” articles repurposed across outlets hungry for content; and spreading “facts” that become accepted as truth. These accompany China’s self-promotion as the inevitable coming power: images of Chinese high-speed rail and new cities interweave with messages casting doubt on the future of Western democracy and progress.

[There is also a brief summary of the report by Propastop, a volunteer-run anti-propaganda organization.]

The report describes several recurring techniques used by the Chinese Communist Party:

‘Borrowed mouths’: Chinese messages are often spread by local opinion leaders, such as journalists, academics, or influencers. Because the message does not come directly from a Chinese state institution but through a local individual, it comes across as more credible.

Sponsored collaboration is frequently used for this purpose: paid posts, covered trips, or other benefits whose aim is to shape a more positive image of China. This is not incidental cooperation but a deliberate strategy in which the credibility of messages is built through their apparent ‘local’ origin.

Information laundering: Narratives created in Chinese state media do not necessarily reach European audiences directly. Instead, they travel through various channels, such as smaller media outlets, blogs, or third-party platforms. Each step reduces the visibility of the original source.

The result is content that appears to be part of local media or analysis, even though its roots extend back to Chinese state communication structures.

Message concealment (cloaking): This technique differs from information laundering in that content does not travel through multiple intermediaries; instead, its true origin is concealed from the outset.

Content produced by Chinese state media may appear in the European information environment in a form that gives the impression of an independent or local source. For example, articles or videos may be produced by Chinese state structures but presented in a way that does not indicate their true origin.

This approach makes influence operations particularly difficult to detect, as the audience has no means of assessing the actual origin and interests behind the source.

‘Bait-and-switch’: Some accounts initially build a following with neutral content, such as travel or cultural topics. Once an audience has formed and trust has been established, the same channels gradually begin sharing political messages as well.

This approach makes it possible to reach people who would not consciously seek out or consume political propaganda.

Amplification of existing messages: China does not always create new narratives but frequently exploits existing debates.

According to ECFR, Chinese channels actively amplify the views of European politicians, activists, and opinion leaders when these align with Chinese interests. For example, criticism of NATO, the European Union, or the United States may gain greater international reach through Chinese media channels.

In this way, China does not need to create the message itself — it is sufficient to highlight existing opinions and increase their international resonance.”

What Stories Are Being Spread?

According to the report, China does not spread random messages in Europe but rather recurring and clearly distinguishable narratives.

• China as a stable and successful great power — Chinese state communication portrays the country as economically successful, technologically advanced, and politically stable. The aim is to present China as a functioning alternative to the Western democratic model.

• The political and economic decline of the West — A second recurring narrative focuses on the problems of Europe and the United States. Political polarisation, economic difficulties, and social tensions are emphasised in order to create the impression of a weakening Western system.

• Reframing Russian aggression — The Chinese media space circulates a narrative according to which the war in Ukraine is not solely Russia’s responsibility, but in which NATO expansion played a role in its genesis. ___

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52690224

Archived

In a tense and oppressive trial on Monday, prominent rights defense lawyer Xie Yang received his verdict after more than four years of secret detention and legal struggle.

The Changsha Intermediate People’s Court announced in court on March 23 that Xie Yang was sentenced to five years in prison for his legal rights defense activities. According to informed sources present at the trial, Xie Yang immediately expressed his refusal to accept the judgment after it was read and filed an appeal on the spot. Although legal procedures are still ongoing, observers note that this sentence may mean he will have to spend the remainder of his term entirely in detention.

[...]

An informed source said pessimistically after the verdict: “Xie Yang has been sentenced to five years; it looks like he will have to serve the full term in the detention center.” Such sentiment is not uncommon in China’s legal aid community. In recent years, suppression of human rights lawyers in China has shown signs of becoming normalized, and prolonged pre-trial detention is often viewed by critics as a disguised form of advanced punishment.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52690219

Archived

The scale and intensity of Chinese interference in Europe’s information space is rising, a report by European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) has found.

Russian efforts at foreign manipulation across Europe are well recognised, but China is now catching up. And it has its own very particular ways of interfering in the European information space—“borrowing mouths” of useful locals; getting “news” articles repurposed across outlets hungry for content; and spreading “facts” that become accepted as truth. These accompany China’s self-promotion as the inevitable coming power: images of Chinese high-speed rail and new cities interweave with messages casting doubt on the future of Western democracy and progress.

[There is also a brief summary of the report by Propastop, a volunteer-run anti-propaganda organization.]

The report describes several recurring techniques used by the Chinese Communist Party:

‘Borrowed mouths’: Chinese messages are often spread by local opinion leaders, such as journalists, academics, or influencers. Because the message does not come directly from a Chinese state institution but through a local individual, it comes across as more credible.

Sponsored collaboration is frequently used for this purpose: paid posts, covered trips, or other benefits whose aim is to shape a more positive image of China. This is not incidental cooperation but a deliberate strategy in which the credibility of messages is built through their apparent ‘local’ origin.

Information laundering: Narratives created in Chinese state media do not necessarily reach European audiences directly. Instead, they travel through various channels, such as smaller media outlets, blogs, or third-party platforms. Each step reduces the visibility of the original source.

The result is content that appears to be part of local media or analysis, even though its roots extend back to Chinese state communication structures.

Message concealment (cloaking): This technique differs from information laundering in that content does not travel through multiple intermediaries; instead, its true origin is concealed from the outset.

Content produced by Chinese state media may appear in the European information environment in a form that gives the impression of an independent or local source. For example, articles or videos may be produced by Chinese state structures but presented in a way that does not indicate their true origin.

This approach makes influence operations particularly difficult to detect, as the audience has no means of assessing the actual origin and interests behind the source.

‘Bait-and-switch’: Some accounts initially build a following with neutral content, such as travel or cultural topics. Once an audience has formed and trust has been established, the same channels gradually begin sharing political messages as well.

This approach makes it possible to reach people who would not consciously seek out or consume political propaganda.

Amplification of existing messages: China does not always create new narratives but frequently exploits existing debates.

According to ECFR, Chinese channels actively amplify the views of European politicians, activists, and opinion leaders when these align with Chinese interests. For example, criticism of NATO, the European Union, or the United States may gain greater international reach through Chinese media channels.

In this way, China does not need to create the message itself — it is sufficient to highlight existing opinions and increase their international resonance.”

What Stories Are Being Spread?

According to the report, China does not spread random messages in Europe but rather recurring and clearly distinguishable narratives.

• China as a stable and successful great power — Chinese state communication portrays the country as economically successful, technologically advanced, and politically stable. The aim is to present China as a functioning alternative to the Western democratic model.

• The political and economic decline of the West — A second recurring narrative focuses on the problems of Europe and the United States. Political polarisation, economic difficulties, and social tensions are emphasised in order to create the impression of a weakening Western system.

• Reframing Russian aggression — The Chinese media space circulates a narrative according to which the war in Ukraine is not solely Russia’s responsibility, but in which NATO expansion played a role in its genesis. ___

Archived

In a tense and oppressive trial on Monday, prominent rights defense lawyer Xie Yang received his verdict after more than four years of secret detention and legal struggle.

The Changsha Intermediate People’s Court announced in court on March 23 that Xie Yang was sentenced to five years in prison for his legal rights defense activities. According to informed sources present at the trial, Xie Yang immediately expressed his refusal to accept the judgment after it was read and filed an appeal on the spot. Although legal procedures are still ongoing, observers note that this sentence may mean he will have to spend the remainder of his term entirely in detention.

[...]

An informed source said pessimistically after the verdict: “Xie Yang has been sentenced to five years; it looks like he will have to serve the full term in the detention center.” Such sentiment is not uncommon in China’s legal aid community. In recent years, suppression of human rights lawyers in China has shown signs of becoming normalized, and prolonged pre-trial detention is often viewed by critics as a disguised form of advanced punishment.

[...]

Archived

The scale and intensity of Chinese interference in Europe’s information space is rising, a report by European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) has found.

Russian efforts at foreign manipulation across Europe are well recognised, but China is now catching up. And it has its own very particular ways of interfering in the European information space—“borrowing mouths” of useful locals; getting “news” articles repurposed across outlets hungry for content; and spreading “facts” that become accepted as truth. These accompany China’s self-promotion as the inevitable coming power: images of Chinese high-speed rail and new cities interweave with messages casting doubt on the future of Western democracy and progress.

[There is also a brief summary of the report by Propastop, a volunteer-run anti-propaganda organization.]

The report describes several recurring techniques used by the Chinese Communist Party:

‘Borrowed mouths’: Chinese messages are often spread by local opinion leaders, such as journalists, academics, or influencers. Because the message does not come directly from a Chinese state institution but through a local individual, it comes across as more credible.

Sponsored collaboration is frequently used for this purpose: paid posts, covered trips, or other benefits whose aim is to shape a more positive image of China. This is not incidental cooperation but a deliberate strategy in which the credibility of messages is built through their apparent ‘local’ origin.

Information laundering: Narratives created in Chinese state media do not necessarily reach European audiences directly. Instead, they travel through various channels, such as smaller media outlets, blogs, or third-party platforms. Each step reduces the visibility of the original source.

The result is content that appears to be part of local media or analysis, even though its roots extend back to Chinese state communication structures.

Message concealment (cloaking): This technique differs from information laundering in that content does not travel through multiple intermediaries; instead, its true origin is concealed from the outset.

Content produced by Chinese state media may appear in the European information environment in a form that gives the impression of an independent or local source. For example, articles or videos may be produced by Chinese state structures but presented in a way that does not indicate their true origin.

This approach makes influence operations particularly difficult to detect, as the audience has no means of assessing the actual origin and interests behind the source.

‘Bait-and-switch’: Some accounts initially build a following with neutral content, such as travel or cultural topics. Once an audience has formed and trust has been established, the same channels gradually begin sharing political messages as well.

This approach makes it possible to reach people who would not consciously seek out or consume political propaganda.

Amplification of existing messages: China does not always create new narratives but frequently exploits existing debates.

According to ECFR, Chinese channels actively amplify the views of European politicians, activists, and opinion leaders when these align with Chinese interests. For example, criticism of NATO, the European Union, or the United States may gain greater international reach through Chinese media channels.

In this way, China does not need to create the message itself — it is sufficient to highlight existing opinions and increase their international resonance.”

What Stories Are Being Spread?

According to the report, China does not spread random messages in Europe but rather recurring and clearly distinguishable narratives.

• China as a stable and successful great power — Chinese state communication portrays the country as economically successful, technologically advanced, and politically stable. The aim is to present China as a functioning alternative to the Western democratic model.

• The political and economic decline of the West — A second recurring narrative focuses on the problems of Europe and the United States. Political polarisation, economic difficulties, and social tensions are emphasised in order to create the impression of a weakening Western system.

• Reframing Russian aggression — The Chinese media space circulates a narrative according to which the war in Ukraine is not solely Russia’s responsibility, but in which NATO expansion played a role in its genesis. ___

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52602951

Archived

Chinese state media reported extensively on March 16 regarding the launch of Deepzang, a Tibetan large language model ostensibly intended to provide “an authentic platform for global users seeking to learn about Tibetan culture, history, and politics.” Its stated purpose is to “prevent the dissemination of distorted ideologies and values.” In reality, Deepzang serves as a vehicle to effectively position Chinese state-controlled artificial intelligence (AI) as the authoritative voice, propagating the party-state’s position and propaganda to entrench China’s narrative on Tibet. The very name DeepZang feeds into the CCP strategy of Sinicization by including the Chinese term “Zang” for Tibet rather than using the Tibetan term “Bod.”

[...]

When a user in India enters the word “Tibet” (Bod in Tibetan), Deepzang returns text asserting that Tibet has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times. It also states that the name “Xizang” (China’s official name for Tibet) is better suited to represent the region’s characteristics and history. The app further frames its responses within the ideology of Chinese socialism, claiming that its outputs are designed to benefit the social and economic development of the Tibetan ethnic group in accordance with China’s laws and policies.

[...]

When users ask Deepzang about the Dalai Lama, the app returns the CCP position that the 14th Dalai Lama is a religious figure whose activities are not in line with Chinese law and policy. The app regurgitates that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times, and that any attempt to divide the country is firmly opposed. When users attempt to ask in Tibetan about the Dalai Lama specifically as a religious leader of Tibet, the app, instead of giving an answer, displays a message instructing the user to inquire about “legally compliant content.” Open questions about “Tibet’s independence” receive a response in line with CCP talking points or the system tells the user to be “legally compliant.”

Similarly, when users ask Deepzang about the Tibetan national anthem, books about Tibetan political history or the self-immolation protests that have occurred inside Tibet, Deepzang again prompts the user to inquire about “legally compliant content,” effectively blocking access to information on these topics entirely.

[...]

The CCP has a clear history of attempting to use digital tools to advance its Tibet policy. In 2016, it launched a Tibetan language search engine called Yongzin, which it also promoted as the world’s largest of its kind. However, content analysis of Yongzin revealed that while the platform was presented as a tool for preserving Tibetan culture and history, the actual information it provided on sensitive topics aligned entirely with the Chinese government’s official political narrative. Historical accounts were distorted, and topics related to the Dalai Lama and actual conditions inside Tibet were in alignment with common Chinese state propaganda.

[...]

China’s externally facing Global Times claimed on March 16 that “the world’s first Tibetan large language model and its application, Deepzang, has been officially unveiled in Lhasa… The World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) also awarded certification for ‘the world’s first Tibetan large language model’ at Deepzang’s launch event.” China’s narrative and the promotion of Deepzang as “the world’s first” disregards earlier developments in Tibetan AI, particularly those from Tibetan exile communities and academic research outside of China.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52602951

Archived

Chinese state media reported extensively on March 16 regarding the launch of Deepzang, a Tibetan large language model ostensibly intended to provide “an authentic platform for global users seeking to learn about Tibetan culture, history, and politics.” Its stated purpose is to “prevent the dissemination of distorted ideologies and values.” In reality, Deepzang serves as a vehicle to effectively position Chinese state-controlled artificial intelligence (AI) as the authoritative voice, propagating the party-state’s position and propaganda to entrench China’s narrative on Tibet. The very name DeepZang feeds into the CCP strategy of Sinicization by including the Chinese term “Zang” for Tibet rather than using the Tibetan term “Bod.”

[...]

When a user in India enters the word “Tibet” (Bod in Tibetan), Deepzang returns text asserting that Tibet has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times. It also states that the name “Xizang” (China’s official name for Tibet) is better suited to represent the region’s characteristics and history. The app further frames its responses within the ideology of Chinese socialism, claiming that its outputs are designed to benefit the social and economic development of the Tibetan ethnic group in accordance with China’s laws and policies.

[...]

When users ask Deepzang about the Dalai Lama, the app returns the CCP position that the 14th Dalai Lama is a religious figure whose activities are not in line with Chinese law and policy. The app regurgitates that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times, and that any attempt to divide the country is firmly opposed. When users attempt to ask in Tibetan about the Dalai Lama specifically as a religious leader of Tibet, the app, instead of giving an answer, displays a message instructing the user to inquire about “legally compliant content.” Open questions about “Tibet’s independence” receive a response in line with CCP talking points or the system tells the user to be “legally compliant.”

Similarly, when users ask Deepzang about the Tibetan national anthem, books about Tibetan political history or the self-immolation protests that have occurred inside Tibet, Deepzang again prompts the user to inquire about “legally compliant content,” effectively blocking access to information on these topics entirely.

[...]

The CCP has a clear history of attempting to use digital tools to advance its Tibet policy. In 2016, it launched a Tibetan language search engine called Yongzin, which it also promoted as the world’s largest of its kind. However, content analysis of Yongzin revealed that while the platform was presented as a tool for preserving Tibetan culture and history, the actual information it provided on sensitive topics aligned entirely with the Chinese government’s official political narrative. Historical accounts were distorted, and topics related to the Dalai Lama and actual conditions inside Tibet were in alignment with common Chinese state propaganda.

[...]

China’s externally facing Global Times claimed on March 16 that “the world’s first Tibetan large language model and its application, Deepzang, has been officially unveiled in Lhasa… The World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) also awarded certification for ‘the world’s first Tibetan large language model’ at Deepzang’s launch event.” China’s narrative and the promotion of Deepzang as “the world’s first” disregards earlier developments in Tibetan AI, particularly those from Tibetan exile communities and academic research outside of China.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52593801

Archived

Chinese authorities have reportedly tortured a young Tibetan Buddhist monk to death while in custody, before returning his body to his monastery under strict orders of silence, according to a report by research group Tibet Watch.

The monk, identified as Samten, 25, was reportedly under police surveillance since 2021. His remains were returned in December last year to Ditsa Geden Tashi Choeding Ling Monastery by authorities from Shongshan Tibetan Township. Officials claimed that he had fallen suddenly ill and died during an emergency transfer to a hospital, the name and location of which were not disclosed. The exact date of his detention also remains unclear.

Samten had previously been detained in 2021 after being accused by local police of sharing photographs via the messaging platform WeChat related to the election of the exile Tibetan government, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

[...]

His detention coincided with a broader crackdown on monastic institutions in the region. That same year, authorities intensified surveillance at his monastery and expelled around 50 monks under the age of 18 from Ditsa Monastery, along with an additional 30 monks from Jhakhyung Monastery in Palung County, located in Tsoshar Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northeastern Amdo region.

[...]

The report further situates these developments within what it describes as China’s most extensive assimilation campaign to date. Under policies promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, authorities have advanced a systematic programme of “Sinicisation,” aimed at reshaping Tibetan cultural and religious identity to align with that of the Han majority. Measures cited include restricting the use of the Tibetan language in education, confining it to a single subject in state-run boarding schools, and curbing traditional monastic education for children.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52593646

Lawmakers in Macau, a city under Chinese rule, unanimously approved a bill on ​Thursday that allows court proceedings to be held behind ‌closed doors when deemed necessary to protect national security interests.

The city enacted its first national security law in 2009 and tightened ​it with amendments in 2023. Last July, leading democrat Au ​Kam San was arrested for alleged collusion with ⁠foreign forces to endanger national security, the first known ​arrest under that law.

[...]

The Macau government said ​the approval had ​demonstrated the ⁠successful implementation of the principle of "patriots governing Macau".

Unlike in Hong Kong, which saw big social ​movements challenge Chinese Communist Party rule in ​2014 and ⁠2019, the democratic opposition in the former Portuguese colony has always existed on the fringes amid tight Chinese control.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52593801

Archived

Chinese authorities have reportedly tortured a young Tibetan Buddhist monk to death while in custody, before returning his body to his monastery under strict orders of silence, according to a report by research group Tibet Watch.

The monk, identified as Samten, 25, was reportedly under police surveillance since 2021. His remains were returned in December last year to Ditsa Geden Tashi Choeding Ling Monastery by authorities from Shongshan Tibetan Township. Officials claimed that he had fallen suddenly ill and died during an emergency transfer to a hospital, the name and location of which were not disclosed. The exact date of his detention also remains unclear.

Samten had previously been detained in 2021 after being accused by local police of sharing photographs via the messaging platform WeChat related to the election of the exile Tibetan government, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

[...]

His detention coincided with a broader crackdown on monastic institutions in the region. That same year, authorities intensified surveillance at his monastery and expelled around 50 monks under the age of 18 from Ditsa Monastery, along with an additional 30 monks from Jhakhyung Monastery in Palung County, located in Tsoshar Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northeastern Amdo region.

[...]

The report further situates these developments within what it describes as China’s most extensive assimilation campaign to date. Under policies promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, authorities have advanced a systematic programme of “Sinicisation,” aimed at reshaping Tibetan cultural and religious identity to align with that of the Han majority. Measures cited include restricting the use of the Tibetan language in education, confining it to a single subject in state-run boarding schools, and curbing traditional monastic education for children.

[...]

Archived

Chinese authorities have reportedly tortured a young Tibetan Buddhist monk to death while in custody, before returning his body to his monastery under strict orders of silence, according to a report by research group Tibet Watch.

The monk, identified as Samten, 25, was reportedly under police surveillance since 2021. His remains were returned in December last year to Ditsa Geden Tashi Choeding Ling Monastery by authorities from Shongshan Tibetan Township. Officials claimed that he had fallen suddenly ill and died during an emergency transfer to a hospital, the name and location of which were not disclosed. The exact date of his detention also remains unclear.

Samten had previously been detained in 2021 after being accused by local police of sharing photographs via the messaging platform WeChat related to the election of the exile Tibetan government, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

[...]

His detention coincided with a broader crackdown on monastic institutions in the region. That same year, authorities intensified surveillance at his monastery and expelled around 50 monks under the age of 18 from Ditsa Monastery, along with an additional 30 monks from Jhakhyung Monastery in Palung County, located in Tsoshar Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northeastern Amdo region.

[...]

The report further situates these developments within what it describes as China’s most extensive assimilation campaign to date. Under policies promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, authorities have advanced a systematic programme of “Sinicisation,” aimed at reshaping Tibetan cultural and religious identity to align with that of the Han majority. Measures cited include restricting the use of the Tibetan language in education, confining it to a single subject in state-run boarding schools, and curbing traditional monastic education for children.

[...]