From 23–25 April, Chinese censors removed netizen claims that China’s Eagle Strike 18A (YJ-18A) anti-ship missile system on display at a PLA Navy (PLAN) “Open Ship” day specialized in targeting US and Japanese destroyers. Meanwhile, PRC-affiliated accounts heavily amplified PLAN propaganda showing off PLAN ships, touting the PLAN’s 76-year history, and showcasing the PLAN’s growth.
CHINA’S IO OBJECTIVES:
- Contain discussion of specific PLA weapons capabilities,
- control the spread of claims that PLA weapons are directed at specific targets and downplay explicit mentions of violence, and
- portray the PLA as a heroic defender of China.
This constitutes extensive censorship and very heavy propaganda.
For more information on this topic from our full Media Manipulation Monitor (M3) report, contact us at: [email protected].
