ChinaAngVirus Disinformation Campaign
A disinformation campaign by the US Department of Defense aimed to discourage the use of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines globally. It used fake accounts to spread anti-vaccination propaganda, triggering investigations and criticism.
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The #ChinaAngVirus disinformation campaign was conducted by the US Department of Defense to dissuade citizens in the Philippines and other countries from using Chinese COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies. The campaign used fake social media accounts to spread anti-vaccination propaganda, claiming Chinese vaccines were ineffective or dangerous. The operation was uncovered by Reuters in June 2024, leading to investigations by Philippine lawmakers into the harm caused and potential legal actions. The US military's deliberate measures aimed to counter China's influence in the region, particularly in Southeast Asia. The propaganda campaign extended to Muslim-majority countries, spreading false claims about Chinese vaccines containing pork gelatin. The campaign faced condemnation from public health experts for prioritizing geopolitics over human lives and undermining trust in vaccines and public health measures. The Chinese Embassy in Manila criticized the US military's actions as hypocritical and harmful to Filipino health and rights. Sinovac, the Chinese vaccine manufacturer, warned that such disinformation campaigns could lead to lower vaccination rates and increased public anxiety. Philippine lawmakers initiated probes into the impact of the campaign on national security and potential violations of international law.
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