HMPV virus disinformation stoking anti-China sentiment, lockdown fears

HMPV virus disinformation stoking anti-China sentiment, lockdown fears

A deluge of disinformation about a flu-like virus called HMPV is stoking anti-China sentiment across Asia and spurring unfounded concerns of renewed lockdowns, despite experts dismissing comparisons with the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago. AFP’s fact-checkers have debunked a slew of social media posts about the usually non-fatal respiratory disease human metapneumovirus after cases rose…

China warns young soldiers against online dating, virtual gambling scams

China warns young soldiers against online dating, virtual gambling scams

In an unusual warning, China’s navy told young officers and personnel that they could get ensnared by online dating scams and virtual gambling if they let down their guard, exposing themselves to security risks and undermining the military. Addressing those born from 1990 who are “becoming the core of the army”, the People’s Liberation Army…

CIA expands online recruitment of informants to China, Iran, North Korea

CIA expands online recruitment of informants to China, Iran, North Korea

The US CIA on Wednesday launched a new drive to recruit informants in China, Iran and North Korea, adding to what it says has been a successful effort to enlist Russians. The premier US spy agency posted instructions in Mandarin, Farsi and Korean on its accounts on X, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, LinkedIn and the Dark…