China accuses US of widespread disinformation tactics

Zhang Xiaogang, an official representative of the Chinese Ministry of Defense, labelled the United States as an "empire of lies," accusing it of systematic disinformation to further its own interests.

This statement was made during a briefing where Zhang commented on the recent doctrine released by the US Marine Corps that outlines the use of deception as a military tactic, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Xiaogang criticised the United States for what he described as a deep-seated culture of deception, claiming that it extends beyond the military into all facets of American society.

"The deceptive actions taken by the United States are not only in the military sphere; deception has actually penetrated into their bone marrow," Zhang stated.

He emphasized that the US frequently resorts to fabrications to serve its interests, describing the country as having become "a real empire of lies."

He highlighted several historical incidents to support his claims, including "Operation Mockingbird," a Cold War initiative allegedly designed to manipulate media and public opinion.

Zhang also referred to the infamous incident at the United Nations where a vial of "washing powder" was presented as evidence of Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction, a pretext for the 2003 invasion.

Furthermore, he accused the US of using groups like the White Helmets to fabricate evidence of bombings and chemical attacks in Syria.

Zhang also addressed accusations against China, particularly regarding the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and dismissed allegations about the safety of Chinese vaccines in the Philippines and elsewhere as deliberate misinformation by the US He urged the United States to cease spreading false narratives and confusing the global community.

The comments come in the wake of the US Marine Corps' publication of a doctrine that explicitly includes deception as a strategy to mislead adversaries. This development has drawn criticism from various quarters, with concerns that it could further escalate tensions and undermine trust in international relations.