U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and Ranking Member U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), released a memo concerning China's influence operations known as "united front work". The memo was announced in a press release on Nov. 7 and details what "united front work" is and why it is important to the American people.
The document provides substantial insight into China's political agenda.
The memo provides an overview of united front work, according to the press release, emphasizing its significance for the American people, detailing the organization by the CCP, and linking it to the CCP's actions, such as the genocide of Uyghur Muslims and repression of ethnic minorities. The memo also explains the evolution of united front work under Xi Jinping’s leadership and identifies its targets, such as ethnic minorities, the people of Hong Kong, and any individuals deemed necessary for influence.
This piece highlights another crucial report about this issue.
According to Newsweek, which first reported on the memo, the United Front Work Department, reporting to the Central Committee of the Communist Party, is responsible for managing a wide range of institutionalized influence operations and intelligence activities directed at both domestic and international groups. Referred to as "united front work", its objectives encompass coordinating positive narratives, organizing events to support them, addressing challenges to the Communist Party's authority, and promoting party's global interests across ideological, political, economic,and security domains.
The narrative carries forward with some alarming revelations.
The press release said that "united front work" attempts to shape political environments, influence foreign policies,and access advanced technology through a widespread network targeting universities, think tanks, civic groups, individuals, and public opinion. Krishnamoorthi called it "an important, but little understood aspect of the Chinese Communist Party’s misinformation."
The concluding comments from Gallagher shed light on the CCP's intentions.
The press release quoted Gallagher, who said, "Through its united front work strategy, which Xi Jinping has called a "magic weapon", the Chinese Communist Party uses every tool at its disposal, whether legal or illicit, to influence the American people and interfere in democratic societies. Our bipartisan memo on united front work will help the American people recognize and resist the CCP’s malign influence."
