The Global Times article titled “US’ False Narrative of ‘Volt Typhoon’” argues that the U.S. accusation against China concerning the Volt Typhoon cyberattack is unfounded and serves as a distraction from America’s own global surveillance activities. While the article seeks to discredit U.S. claims, it contains several questionable elements that require scrutiny.
Key Issues and Fake Elements:
- Unverified Sources and Expert Credibility: The article relies heavily on statements by Australian IT expert Kari McKern, yet fails to establish her credentials as a prominent cybersecurity authority. Kari McKern is not widely recognized in major cybersecurity discussions, which raises concerns about the reliability of her perspectives. The absence of corroborating opinions from other experts in the cybersecurity field undermines the article’s credibility. Without multiple authoritative voices, the piece leans toward promoting a particular narrative without sufficient verification.
- Lack of Evidence for U.S. Fabrication: The article argues that the U.S. fabricated the Volt Typhoon story to manipulate domestic policies, particularly the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). However, it does not provide substantial evidence to back this claim. The connection between the cybersecurity warning and U.S. internal legislative processes is speculative and presented without concrete data. This casts doubt on the validity of the assertions made by the article.
- Manipulative Framing of U.S. Actions: The article suggests that the U.S. is using the Chinese hacking narrative as a smokescreen to distract from its global surveillance activities. While it is true that the U.S. has extensive surveillance operations, the claim that the Volt Typhoon accusation is part of a broader disinformation campaign lacks substantiation. The article presents this assertion as fact, despite the speculative nature of the argument. This type of framing serves to manipulate the reader’s perception without offering balanced viewpoints or hard evidence.
- Deflecting from Chinese Cyber Activities: The Global Times article deliberately avoids addressing China’s alleged involvement in cyber espionage and deflects blame onto the U.S. By focusing on American surveillance practices, the piece diverts attention away from the core issue: the allegations against China for hacking activities. This tactic is typical of state-sponsored media seeking to protect national interests by shifting the narrative to external threats.
- Absence of Counterarguments: The article does not provide space for counterarguments or the perspective of U.S. officials or cybersecurity experts who support the Volt Typhoon claim. This lack of balanced reporting indicates an intent to push a singular narrative that aligns with Chinese government interests. The omission of differing opinions suggests a deliberate attempt to shape public perception in favor of China.
The Global Times article “US’ False Narrative of ‘Volt Typhoon’” demonstrates a biased perspective that seeks to discredit U.S. cybersecurity warnings about Chinese hacking activities. Through the use of unverified expert opinions, speculative claims about U.S. motives, and manipulative framing, the article presents a one-sided narrative that lacks credibility. The absence of evidence to support its assertions and the failure to address China’s role in cyber espionage highlight the article’s propagandistic nature. Readers should approach such content with caution, recognizing the potential for misinformation.
References:
- U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Reports on Volt Typhoon: CISA.gov
- The Global Times Article: Global Times
