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2w ago

Canada Detects China-Linked Disinformation Campaign Targeting Election

Officials confirm coordinated WeChat activity aimed at influencing Chinese-Canadian voters, but affirm election integrity remains intact.

Liberal leader Mark Carney speaks to a crowd outside that weren't able to get into his event due to capacity, before a meet and greet at the Victoria Edelweiss Club In Victoria, B.C., on Sunday, April 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
WeChat articles from the Youli-Youmian account that targeted LPC Leader Mark Carney. Social media engagement for these articles was high, even exceeding the engagement level on state-controlled media outlets like the People’s Daily, which averages about 30,000 interactions per post.
Liberal Leader Mark Carney takes questions from the media on the campaign trail in Saanichton, B.C., on April 7, 2025.
Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks about tariffs during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday April 3, 2025.

Overview

  • The SITE Task Force identified an information operation on WeChat targeting the 45th General Election, linked to the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission.
  • The operation, led by the Youli-Youmian account, sought to influence perceptions of Liberal Leader Mark Carney through contrasting narratives about his credentials and U.S. relations.
  • Coordinated spikes in activity were observed on March 10 and March 25, 2025, with posts garnering up to 3 million views, amplified by smaller WeChat accounts.
  • The disinformation campaign also previously targeted Michael Chong in 2023 and Chrystia Freeland in early 2025, reflecting a broader pattern of interference.
  • Canadian officials are actively monitoring the situation, engaging with Tencent to address the issue, and assure voters that the election process remains free and fair.