A China-linked information campaign is targeting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney ahead of the April 28 federal election. Authorities reported that the operation, centered around the anonymous WeChat account Youli-Youmia, is linked to a Chinese state agency responsible for internal security. The campaign specifically targets Canadian-Chinese communities, using WeChat accounts to spread false narratives about Carney. Initially, the posts praised Carney’s alignment with U.S. policies, later attacking his credentials and experience in an inauthentic and coordinated way.
The information campaign is designed to manipulate political perceptions, with some posts reaching as many as 3 million views. Smaller WeChat accounts helped boost visibility and engagement, keeping posts in users’ algorithmic feeds. The Chinese government denied involvement, calling the accusations “absurd,” despite evidence suggesting state-directed efforts behind the operation. Other Canadian officials have been targeted by similar campaigns, including lawmaker Michael Chong and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Canada’s intelligence agencies warned that China may try to influence the upcoming election due to rising tensions. Beijing has imposed tariffs on Canadian agricultural products in retaliation for Canada’s trade actions against Chinese goods. With over 1 million users in Canada, WeChat remains a significant platform for the campaign, but its use for influence operations has largely gone unnoticed by information integrity researchers. As a result, Beijing exploits this gap to conduct covert operations with minimal scrutiny.
In response to security concerns, Canadian officials banned WeChat and TikTok from government-issued devices in 2023. These bans stemmed from privacy and national security risks posed by these platforms, reflecting a growing concern about foreign influence in Canadian politics. Despite the Chinese embassy’s denials, the ongoing campaign and tensions between the two nations highlight the challenges of safeguarding electoral integrity in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.
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