by Giuseppe Gagliano –
China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS, or Guoanbu) is adopting a new soft power strategy, focusing primarily on Europe, the United States and the global South. This approach falls within the scope of Beijing’s “people-to-people” diplomacy, recently strengthened by the MSS, as highlighted in a November 22, 2023 report.
Although the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to face resistance in Europe, new operations on the continent focus on three key aspects: soft power under the supervision of embassies, event promotion, and academic cooperation.
Control of these operations is now entrusted to the MSS, working in coordination with the Department of United Front Work (DTFU).
French intelligence sources indicate that the Chinese embassy in Paris has recently tightened control over initiatives run by local Chinese associations, such as the Association des commerçants etindustrials franco-chinois and the Association des résidents d’origine chinoise. This change of direction seems to indicate a preference for a lower profile of local communities.
A key component of the MSS’s new strategy is the organization and funding of events and research on topics not directly related to China, but which promote and support its perspective. A recent example is the “BRICS and the new world order” conference, held in Rome in November (21 November 2023).
The CCP, in its effort to influence the narrative, is identifying “emerging” think-tanks that interact primarily with overseas Chinese students. These organizations are tasked with translating and adapting local academic content about China, with the aim of developing more refined narratives. They also promote collaborations, exchanges of opinions and joint publications with individuals and groups considered “neutral” with respect to China. This tactic aims to extend Chinese influence through more subtle and diverse channels.
