According to reports from CNN, Chinese President Xi Jinping assured US President Joe Biden that China would refrain from interfering in the upcoming 2024 US presidential election. This assurance, initially conveyed during a significant bilateral meeting in California last year, aimed to ease the escalating tensions, both military and economic, between the two nations. Biden raised the issue of election interference, prompting Xi to respond in a concise manner during their interaction.
Subsequently, during extensive discussions in Bangkok, Thailand, between US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the commitment made by Xi was reiterated. Wang assured Sullivan that China would uphold its pledge to abstain from meddling in the forthcoming US presidential elections.
Foreign intervention in US elections remains a significant concern for American authorities, particularly in light of previous instances of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Although China's tactics have historically been more subtle, apprehensions persist regarding its cyber capabilities and recent intelligence reports.
While experts acknowledge that China typically employs less overt methods in its influence endeavors compared to other countries, there are ongoing worries regarding its cyber prowess and potential for interference. Incidents of Chinese hackers infiltrating critical US infrastructure have raised alarms about potential disruptions to essential services and national defense preparedness.
Intelligence assessments indicate an escalation in aggressive maneuvers by Chinese operatives targeting US voters and political figures. Directives from senior Chinese authorities since 2020 have emphasized the need for heightened efforts to sway US policy and public opinion, utilizing tactics such as deploying fake social media accounts to criticize American politicians.
In response to these perceived threats, US officials are preparing for potential foreign interference not only from China but also from Russia and Iran. Contingency plans may encompass initiatives such as disinformation campaigns, cyber assaults, and sophisticated AI-driven operations aimed at influencing electoral outcomes.
To counteract Chinese cyber activities and safeguard the integrity of its elections, the US government, through agencies like the FBI and the Justice Department, has implemented measures. In a recent operation highlighted by Reuters, security officials reported that aspects of a Chinese hacking campaign were remotely disabled by US authorities.
