How China Mobilizes Overseas Chinese Communities
China's United Front Work Department (UFWD), described by both Mao Zedong and Xi Jinping as a "magic weapon," is increasingly raising concerns in the West. This long-standing arm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), designed to build broad coalitions, is now under scrutiny for alleged foreign interference. While the UFWD publicly reports some of its activities, the full extent of its reach is unclear. A key focus is influencing overseas Chinese communities, shaping narratives on sensitive topics like Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tibet, and targeting critics of the Chinese government. While some UFWD activities may involve espionage, its broader goal is mobilizing overseas Chinese populations to support Beijing's agenda. China's growing global influence under Xi has enabled it to expand these efforts, with Xi urging the Chinese diaspora to promote "China's story." The UFWD operates through various overseas Chinese […]
