This is interesting. A look at Chinese hybrid warfare.
The effectiveness of China’s information operations. A related factor accounting for the Western allies’ timidity over Chinese behavior in the Indo-Pacific has been the success of Beijing’s information operations. These operations have been greatly assisted by the Chinese
acquisition of media enterprises in Western countries and the penetration and subversion of others. Further contributing factors have been the
courting of key decision-makers, jour- nalists, and
academics, accomplished through
fully paid visits to China; the contribution of substantial
funds to political parties; the establishment of pro-Beijing associations of many types, including
Confucius Institutes in universities; the regular insertion of
Chinese-produced supplements in metropolitan newspapers; and the organization of periodic “patriotic” demon- strations, concerts, and other events by Chinese embassies, consulates, and other pro-Beijing entities. Cyber and intelligence operations have also been used to reinforce key messages; recruit Chinese intelligence agents and “agents of influence;” and, periodically, to intimidate, coerce, and deter allied counteractions.
Dr. Ross Babbage,
Stealing a March.