Microsoft confirms Chinese disinformation operation targeting Rep. Barry Moore

According to research published this week by Microsoft, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) is one of several targets of a Chinese influence operation trying to affect elections in the U.S.

“Chinese influence operations have focused on down-ballot Republican candidates and members of Congress that advocate for anti-Chinese policies,” said the report.

The group known as Taizi Flood, which has been previous connections to China’s Public Security Ministry, has been deploying an army of Chinese-controlled social media bots to try and influence voters in Alabama. Other lawmakers targeted include Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

Rubio said in a statement that he believed China’s goal was to “shape American opinion on critical issues and target specific candidates, especially those they view as anti-China.”

The troll network has “parroted anti-Semitic messages, amplified accusations of corruption and promoted opposition candidates,” according to Microsoft.

It’s not exactly clear why this operation has targeted these specific candidates, but the group often posts anti-Semitic statements against support for Israel. Moore has been a well-known supporter of Israel, which may be why the groups focused on that issue specifically.

“We know that the CCP is antisemitic, so it isn’t surprising that they are targeting me and other politicians who support Israel to try sow division in advance of the most important election in our lifetime,” Rep. Barry Moore said in a statement to Yellowhammer News. 

“China has made it clear they will use every weapon in their arsenal, including offensive cyber capabilities, to try and destroy democracy across the world. The United States must be prepared to stand against Chinese aggression and continue to stand with Israel and Taiwan.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee