A U.S. research institute has identified a Chinese-linked misinformation campaign targeting Japan's recent prime ministerial election and U.S. President Donald Trump. The operation involved dozens of social media accounts spreading allegations against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
A new analysis by Maria Riofrio, a researcher at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, reveals that in the days around Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's February election victory, at least 35 X (formerly Twitter) accounts and nine Tumblr channels, part of a Chinese misinformation network, were active. These accounts attacked Takaichi's deeply conservative views and hawkish stance toward China, pushing corruption allegations and portraying her as an illegitimate and militaristic leader.
Riofrio stated, "The accounts suggest the prime minister is a reckless 'cult-backed' leader driving Japan toward war." The network comprises at least 327 accounts across X and other platforms, which since December or earlier have targeted Beijing's adversaries, promoted pro-China policy positions, attacked human rights organizations, and sought to influence domestic politics in Japan, the United States, the Philippines, and Latin America.
This campaign exemplifies China's use of social media for influence operations, raising concerns for Japan-U.S. relations and regional security. The foundation's report highlights the potential to distort electoral processes, though the exact impact remains unclear.
