China News Service controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2023
Alleged sock-puppet activity in Latin America
Cybersecurity researchers reported that CNS had established alleged sock-puppet accounts on Twitter for influence operations directed at Latin American audiences.
2022
Repetition of unsupported Bucha claims
During Russia's invasion of Ukraine, CNS repeated Russian state-media claims that the Bucha massacre had been staged. Those claims were described as unsubstantiated.
2019
Alleged influence operations concerning Hong Kong and COVID-19
Research and investigative reporting linked CNS to targeted overseas information activity relating to the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests and COVID-19, including alleged use of inauthentic social-media accounts.
2017
Bribery case involving former leader Liu Beixian
Former CNS editor-in-chief and party committee secretary Liu Beixian was charged with accepting bribes and expelled from the Chinese Communist Party.
2014
Editorial controversy involving Gary Locke
A CNS editorial criticizing outgoing U.S. ambassador Gary Locke used language that was widely interpreted as a racial slur and was criticized in China and internationally.