Philippine security agency says signs of China election interference
The Hindu
China accused of state-sponsored interference in Philippines' elections, using troll farms to undermine government, according to NSC.
The Philippines’ National Security Council (NSC) said on Thursday (April 24, 2025) there are indications China is conducting a “state-sponsored” campaign to interfere in next month’s mid-term elections.
The accusation emerged at a Senate hearing where a senior lawmaker claimed Beijing’s embassy in Manila was “paying Filipinos to work in troll farms” to undermine President Ferdinand Marcos’s government.
The May 12 nationwide poll will decide hundreds of seats in the House of Representatives and Senate as well as thousands of hotly contested local positions.
Senator Francis Tolentino, who is running for re-election on the Marcos slate, said the government’s policy in the disputed South China Sea was among the troll farms’ frequent targets.
The Philippines has been engaged in months of confrontations with Beijing over the crucial waterway and has steadily deepened defence cooperation with the United States under Mr. Marcos.
NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya told the Senate hearing on Thursday (April 24, 2025) his agency believed China was likely behind online attacks aimed at influencing the polls.
“There are indications... that information operations are being conducted that are Chinese state-sponsored in the Philippines that are actually interfering in the forthcoming elections,” Mr. Malaya said.
Saudi Arabia expels Iranian military staff amid escalating tensions and ongoing missile attacks during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Russia claims control of Potapivka village in Ukraine's Sumy region amid ongoing military efforts to establish a buffer zone.
Iranian missile strikes on Israeli towns cause widespread damage and injuries, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
As Gor makes first trip as U.S. Special envoy to South Asia, Delhi watches strategic signals closely
Sergio Gor's inaugural trip as U.S. Special Envoy to South Asia signals strategic U.S. engagement amid regional tensions.
Slovenians vote in a tight election between liberal and populist candidates, impacting the country's future domestic and foreign policies.
Netanyahu asserts U.S.-Israel alliance fights Iranian threats, emphasizing global security after missile strikes on Israeli and European targets.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian villages in the West Bank, causing injuries and destruction amid ongoing settlement expansion.
Britain asserts no evidence of Iran planning missile strikes on Europe, despite Israeli claims of missile capabilities.
UNESCO reports over half of countries have banned phones in schools due to concerns about attention, cyberbullying, and social media impact.
Analysis reveals a U.S.-operated Patriot missile likely caused a pre-dawn explosion in Bahrain, injuring numerous civilians.
Sri Lanka raises fuel prices by 25% amid ongoing West Asia conflict, impacting petrol and diesel costs significantly.
Iran strikes near Israeli nuclear research center as Trump threatens attacks on Iranian power plants
Iran's missile strikes near Israel's nuclear site escalate tensions as Trump threatens retaliation against Iranian power plants.
Saudi Arabia intercepts one of three ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh amid ongoing regional tensions and threats from Iran.