China’s Influence on Pro-Duterte Vloggers: PCO Chief’s Admission to Congress

China’s Media Influence: Training programs and Disinformation Campaigns Unveiled

By Aris Cristo

March 22, 2025

The Tip of the Iceberg: China’s Media Outreach Extends Globally

In a hearing on March 21, 2025, before a House tri-committee focused on fake news and disinformation, former Presidential Communications Office (PCO) secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles admitted that the Chinese government sponsors seminars abroad for pro-duterte vloggers from the Philippines. This revelation highlights a broader concern about China’s expanding influence on global media landscapes. The implications for the U.S., a nation grappling with its own internal debates surrounding media bias and foreign interference, are significant.

House Deputy Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez questioned Cruz-Angeles about the National Radio and Television Governance (NRTA) of China and its role in training media practitioners from various countries. Suarez presented photographic evidence showing Cruz-Angeles and othre pro-Duterte vloggers attending an NRTA seminar.

“You are fully aware that they do conduct training programs for media practitioners mula sa iba’t-ibang bansa?” Suarez asked.

Cruz-angeles confirmed her awareness of the programs,stating that she was invited to a seminar held in China from May 23 to June 5,2023.

When Suarez inquired about the funding source, Cruz-Angeles admitted the seminar was “sponsored,” with the Chinese government covering costs. “Yes, sir,” she confirmed when asked if China had paid for everything.

According to Cruz-Angeles, the invitation came directly from the Chinese Embassy, which regularly selects participants for these programs. She stated, “They conduct these regularly, I understand,” adding that mainstream media practitioners were also invited at different times.

Beyond Training: Understanding the Objectives

Suarez emphasized that the program was a “state-funded activity” aimed at training media practitioners, including vloggers. The seminar introduced attendees to emerging trends in social media. “They introduced new techniques in social media such as short-form videos, how to take them and other technical aspects. They also gave a background on China,” Cruz-Angeles stated.

Another pro-Duterte vlogger, Mark Anthony Lopez, also confirmed his participation in the 2023 seminar. In response to Suarez’s questioning about the seminar’s effect on his work, Lopez stated, “Sir, yan lang po ‘yung na-attendan ko po (Sir, that’s the only seminar that I attended).”

While Cruz-Angeles downplayed the seminar’s impact on her political views, citing her existing knowledge of Chinese history, she acknowledged that “The new learning was their teaching of short-form videos – reels, TikTok and one-minute YouTube videos.” Lopez stated that he gained an understanding of “how China media works.”

Echoes in the U.S.: Lessons and Implications

The Chinese government’s training programs for foreign media personalities raise critical questions for the U.S. media landscape.While freedom of the press is a cornerstone of American democracy, the potential for foreign governments to subtly influence domestic narratives is a growing concern, particularly with the rise of social media and the blurred lines between journalism and opinion.

We can look to the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2012, which amended the Smith-Mundt Act of 1948, as an example of how the U.S. combats foreign disinformation.The original act restricted the dissemination of information intended for foreign audiences within the U.S. The amendment allowed for such information to be shared domestically, under the premise of transparency and informed public discourse.

However, concerns remain about the potential for targeted disinformation campaigns aimed at specific demographics within the U.S. The rise of influencers and “citizen journalists” on platforms like TikTok, youtube, and Facebook creates new avenues for foreign governments to disseminate propaganda, ofen disguised as authentic content.

The U.S.intelligence community has repeatedly warned about China’s efforts to influence public opinion through various means, including state-sponsored media outlets operating within the U.S. and the cultivation of relationships with American journalists and influencers. These efforts are frequently enough aimed at promoting a positive image of China, downplaying human rights abuses, and undermining U.S. foreign policy objectives.

The seminars in the Philippines serve as a case study, but more importantly, as a warning sign. the key points extracted from the source material can be outlined as follows:

Key Point	Description	Implication for the U.S.
State-Sponsored Training	China funds seminars for foreign media, including vloggers.	Highlights the risk of subtle influence on narratives.
Focus on new Media	Training emphasizes short-form videos and social media techniques.	Shows the increasing use of social media for information influence.
Targeting of Vloggers	Vloggers are primary targets.	Vloggers can be used to influence public opinions.

The Counterargument and the Path Forward

Some argue that such training programs are merely cultural exchanges and opportunities for professional development. They contend that limiting engagement with foreign media would be a form of censorship and would hinder the free flow of information.

Though,the crucial distinction lies in the intent and the source of funding. When a foreign government actively seeks to train and cultivate relationships with media personalities, particularly those with a pre-existing bias or agenda, the risk of manipulation and the spread of disinformation increases substantially.

The U.S. can respond with a multi-faceted approach:

• Enhanced Media Literacy: Investing in media literacy programs for all age groups can help citizens critically evaluate information and identify potential sources of bias or disinformation.
• Transparency and Disclosure: Requiring greater transparency from media outlets and influencers regarding their funding sources and potential foreign affiliations.
• Counter-Narrative Strategies: Developing and implementing counter-narrative strategies to expose and debunk disinformation campaigns.
• Supporting Independent Journalism: Strengthening support for independent journalism both domestically and abroad to ensure a diversity of perspectives and a reliable source of factual information.

Ultimately, the defense against foreign interference in the media landscape lies in a vigilant and informed citizenry, coupled with robust protections for journalistic independence and freedom of expression. The revelations from the Philippines serve as a critical reminder of the challenges and complexities of navigating the global information war in the 21st century.

How can AI-driven tools be used to detect and analyze disinformation campaigns in real-time?

China’s Media Influence: An Interview with Dr. Eleanor Vance

Interviewer: Welcome to Archyde News.Today, we’re discussing the concerning trend of China’s influence on global media, notably through training programs and disinformation campaigns. Joining us is Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading expert in media and international relations. Dr. Vance, thank you for being here.

Dr. Vance: Thank you for having me.

Understanding China’s Media Strategy

Interviewer: The recent reports from hearings in the Philippines have shed light on China’s strategy of inviting and training foreign media personalities,including vloggers. What are your initial thoughts on this progress?

dr.Vance: It’s a significant revelation. China’s investment in influencing foreign media, especially through social media training, is part of a broader strategy. Thay are very aware of the power of short-form video and social media for shaping public opinion.The fact that they are targeting vloggers highlights their understanding that these individuals can substantially impact narratives, often with less scrutiny than traditional media.

The Tactics: Beyond the Classroom

Interviewer: The training programs seem to focus on modern media techniques.What does that indicate about the Chinese government’s objectives?

Dr. Vance: The focus on things like short-form videos and social media showcases that China’s using techniques to disseminate details. They’re attempting to equip these media practitioners with the tools to spread pro-China narratives effectively, targeting younger audiences and those more reliant on social media for news.

Implications for the U.S. Media Landscape

Interviewer: What are the primary implications for the U.S. media landscape?

Dr. Vance: The implications are serious. First, the U.S. must increase media literacy. We need a very aware public that can critically assess information. Transparency is key. We should be more skeptical of content, especially on social media, and to consider the source of that content. We should also require clarity around funding and disclosure. promoting independent journalism, here and abroad, is essential. A diversity of voices is our best defense against propaganda.

Combating disinformation: A Path Forward

Interviewer: How can the U.S. counter these efforts? Where should the focus be?

dr. Vance: A multi-faceted approach is best. Support for independent journalism is vital. Develop proactive counter-narratives. We need government agencies, NGOs, and educational institutions to work together. And that’s why transparency is key. It’s crucial to equip citizens with the skills to identify and resist disinformation campaigns. Ultimately, a critical and educated citizenry, paired with a commitment to journalistic integrity, is our strongest defense.

A Thought-Provoking Question

Interviewer: considering the evolving nature of media influence, what innovative strategies do you believe are necessary in the coming years to safeguard against foreign interference?

Dr.vance: That’s a key question! I think we need to start exploring AI-driven tools to detect and analyze disinformation campaigns in real-time. We also need to be smarter in using social media,not just reacting to misinformation but proactively countering it. Also an international alliance to come to some agreement about media conduct and freedom of speech with the understanding of working together.

Interviewer: Dr. Vance, thank you for your insights. This has been a truly informative discussion.

Dr. Vance: Thank you.