Pro-Chinese Operation Exploits Public Unrest Over Spain's 'Gota Fría' to Destabilize Authorities

In a startling revelation, an analysis by the American social network analysis agency Graphika has uncovered a sophisticated online operation aimed at exploiting public discontent in Spain, particularly in the Valencia region, to destabilize local and national authorities. This campaign is linked to a pro-Chinese group known as Spamouage, which has been active since 2017 and has previously influenced events in the U.S., Canada, and other countries.

The 'Gota Fría' Crisis

The 'Gota Fría' (Cold Drop) is a severe weather phenomenon that caused significant damage and loss of life in the Valencia region. The crisis began around December 9, 2023, and continued into January 2024. During this period, fake social media accounts on platforms such as BlueSky, Facebook, Gettr, TikTok, X, and YouTube disseminated critical content against the Spanish and Valencian governments. These accounts masqueraded as part of a campaign by the human rights organization Safeguard Defenders, which had previously exposed a network of clandestine Chinese police stations worldwide, including several in Spain.

Targeting Local and National Leaders

The campaign specifically targeted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, criticizing their handling of the 'Gota Fría' crisis. Videos with transcription errors were found, where Mazón's name was mistranslated to "Carlos Ma Song," highlighting the foreign origin of the content.

Methods and Scope

The fake accounts, characterized by randomly generated usernames, stock or stolen images, and coordinated posting of identical content, interacted exclusively with videos linked to this operation. This behavior matches the known footprint of Spamouage. In 2023, Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) removed thousands of accounts and pages linked to Spamouage, including 7,704 Facebook profiles, 969 pages and groups, and 15 Instagram profiles, for violating policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior. The activity was not limited to these platforms but extended to over 50 social media and online services, including X, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, and others.

Global Reach and Coordination

The accounts were managed from several cities in China, suggesting a coordinated effort from groups working in shared offices. The activity patterns showed clear shifts corresponding to Beijing time, with breaks for meals and a final surge in the evening. This campaign targeted audiences in Taiwan, the U.S., Australia, the UK, Japan, and the global Chinese-speaking community.

Broader Implications

Graphika notes that Spamouage has previously impersonated human rights organizations critical of Chinese policies to discredit their activities and influence Western internal politics. Recent campaigns have supported China's territorial claims in the South China Sea and legitimized its actions. Additionally, there was a campaign against the Japanese textile company Uniqlo after it announced it would not use cotton from Xinjiang due to human rights concerns.

This sophisticated and widespread operation underscores the growing concern about foreign interference in domestic politics through social media manipulation, highlighting the need for vigilance and robust measures to protect democratic processes. For expats in Spain, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape and the importance of verifying information sources in the digital age.