Chinese agents helped spread coronavirus panic in US via social media and texts
by Emma Colton
| April 23, 2020 09:20 AM
United States intelligence officials reportedly believe Chinese agents used social media and text messages in March to help fan the flames surrounding the coronavirus panic, the New York Times reported.
The New York Times cited six U.S. intelligence officials from different agencies on Wednesday who claimed agents from the Chinese government used social media messages and texts to American citizens as a means to spread disinformation, including that the Trump administration was planning to deploy troops to prevent riots and looters, as well as impose strict curfews.
“They will announce this as soon as they have troops in place to help prevent looters and rioters,†one of the messages read, which cited a source in the Department of Homeland Security. “He said he got the call last night and was told to pack and be prepared for the call today with his dispatch orders.â€
China denied involvement in spreading the information, saying, “The relevant statements are complete nonsense and not worth refuting.â€
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/chinese-agents-helped-spread-coronavirus-panic-in-us-via-social-media-and-texts
