A network of 123 websites based in China has been identified as disseminating pro-Beijing disinformation and conducting ad hominem attacks disguised as local news outlets in 30 countries. Dubbed PAPERWALL, the campaign is separate from another operation called HaiEnergy. PAPERWALL draws content from Times Newswire, which has links to HaiEnergy. The campaign employs tactics such as removing articles attacking critics after they are published. It is attributed to the PR firm Shenzhen Haimaiyunxiang Media Co., Ltd. The report highlights the role of private firms in digital influence operations and China’s increasing aggression in this area.
https://citizenlab.ca/2024/02/paperwall-chinese-websites-posing-as-local-news-outlets-with-pro-beijing-content/