中国信息控制_全球媒体影响力与网络_战战_略（英文版）_205页_1mb

Summary of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Hearing on "China's Information Controls, Global Media Influence, and Cyber Warfare Strategy"

Core Content

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission held a public hearing on May 4, 2017, focusing on China's information controls, global media influence, and cyber warfare strategy. The hearing was part of the Commission's 2017 Annual Report cycle and aimed to assess the implications of China's policies on U.S. economic and security interests.

Main Topics and Witnesses

Panel I: China's Domestic Information Controls and Their Implications

• Witnesses: Xiao Qiang (Adjunct Professor, UC Berkeley), Margaret Roberts (Assistant Professor, UC San Diego), Sophie Richardson (China Director, Human Rights Watch)
• Key Issues:
  • Great Firewall: A sophisticated system of censorship and surveillance used by the Chinese government to restrict access to foreign ideas and control domestic narratives.
  • Censorship Mechanisms: The government blocks sensitive stories and uses "public opinion guidance" through state-sponsored comment spammers, referred to as "Fifty Cent Party".
  • Impact on Freedom of Expression: Violates Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees freedom of opinion and expression.
  • Effect on Economy and National Security: Restrictions on information flow hinder U.S. companies from reaching Chinese consumers and may fuel Chinese nationalism, reducing understanding of differing perspectives on international issues.
  • Digital Activism: Despite increased control, digital activism remains a key driver of change in Chinese society, with netizens continuing to create and share content, and users finding ways to bypass censorship.

Panel II: China's Global Media Influence

• Witnesses: Dan Southerland (Former Executive Editor, Radio Free Asia), Shanthi Kalathil (Director, NED), Sarah Cook (Freedom House)
• Key Issues:
  • Soft Power Manipulation: China seeks to increase its influence over global media, including the American film industry, to counter U.S. soft power.
  • Media Acquisition: Chinese companies acquiring U.S. film studios and cinemas raise concerns about the influence on media narratives and national security.
  • Control Over Foreign Coverage: The Chinese government works to ensure that foreign media coverage of China remains aligned with its messaging, especially in peripheral countries.

Panel III: Beijing's Views on Norms in Cyberspace and Cyber Warfare Strategy

• Witnesses: Chris C. Demchak (U.S. Naval War College), James A. Lewis (CSIS)
• Key Issues:
  • Internet Sovereignty: China advocates for national control over cyberspace, opposing the U.S.-led "multi-stakeholder" model.
  • Cyber Warfare Strategy: The Chinese military, including the newly established Strategic Support Force, engages in offensive, defensive, and reconnaissance cyber operations.
  • Cyber Domain as a Strategic Arena: The government views cyberspace and space as new frontiers in strategic competition, where "war" can be waged digitally.

Key Information

• Censorship Tools: The Great Firewall is continuously updated to block foreign websites and control online discourse.
• Leaked Communications: Internal Chinese propaganda emails revealed the scale and methods of "Fifty Cent Party" operations, which involve organizing and paying users to influence online discussions.
• Digital Resistance: Despite strict controls, Chinese netizens and activists continue to resist censorship, using circumvention tools and platforms to share information.
• Policy Recommendations: Xiao Qiang recommended increasing U.S. support for Internet freedom through funding for civil society, research, and technology development.
• Legal and Regulatory Concerns: China's increasing control over information and media raises concerns about the erosion of free expression and the potential for influence over global narratives.
• Cybersecurity and Military Strategy: The Chinese military has developed a comprehensive cyber warfare doctrine, including network operations, information warfare, and space missions.

Conclusion

The hearing emphasized the growing concern over China's control of information and its strategic use of media and cyber operations to shape global narratives and bolster its national power. It called for continued monitoring and policy development by the U.S. Congress to address these challenges and protect U.S. interests in the digital and media domains.