China is actively attempting to silence critical voices about the country, including in the Netherlands. This is the main conclusion of a report on Chinese interference and intimidation within the Dutch media landscape. The media are often not well prepared for this.
'Concerning', says FGGA researcher Susanne Kamerling - Associate Fellow at ISGA - who investigated the interference. 'There is evidence of various tactics being used; from spreading propaganda and disinformation to extensive intimidation of journalists and their sources, personal smear campaigns, cyber infiltration, and identity fraud: in the Netherlands, Europe, and worldwide.'
In-depth knowledge required
China's tactics are often subtle and socio-psychological in nature, and recognising and understanding these requires in-depth knowledge of the country and its politics, according to the report authored by researchers Susanne Kamerling and Ardi Bouwers, affiliated with the LeidenAsiaCentre (LAC) on behalf of the China Knowledge Network (CKN).
The report was prompted by the Brekelmans motion in the House of Representatives from April 2023, which called for an investigation into the working conditions of Dutch correspondents in China and China's intimidation of, and interference in, Dutch media.
The report highlights three main areas:
- The working conditions of Dutch correspondents in China;
Chinese interference in Dutch-language media;
Chinese influence on Chinese-language and diaspora media in the Netherlands.
The report was prompted by the Brekelmans motion in the House of Representatives from April 2023
What does China primarily focus on? Human rights activists, journalists, researchers, and other critical voices, diaspora groups such as Uyghurs and Tibetans, and Chinese students in the Netherlands. The result is a 'chilling effect', where these groups become less active, are drowned out, or give up entirely.
China is regarded as one of the most advanced actors globally in terms of transnational repression.
China targets, among others, human rights activists, journalists, researchers, and other critical voices
Newsrooms often inadequately prepared
Another concerning aspect is China's influence on Dutch media, with newsrooms often inadequately prepared for the social and psychological threats posed by authoritarian countries.
This is evident not only from the experiences of correspondents in China but also from the increasing interference within the Netherlands itself. The report therefore makes recommendations to both the media and the government.
These focus on improving the protection of journalists and diaspora groups, strengthening knowledge and cooperation between media, and countering Chinese interference and disinformation campaigns.
Specific proposals include:
- Developing protocols (and raising awareness of them) for correspondents in authoritarian countries, as well as ensuring mental support and job security;
- Increasing knowledge within Dutch newsrooms about China, transnational repression, and the influence and interference tactics of authoritarian countries;
- Establishing structural cooperation with other media at national and international levels;
- Active involvement of the Dutch government in combating disinformation and interference in the information environment, using European guidelines such as the Digital Services Act and the European Media Freedom Act.
Chinese in the Netherlands
The report also emphasises the importance of caution in the approach to Chinese and Asian Dutch communities. It is essential to prevent these groups from becoming stigmatised or isolated, as this would ultimately benefit the Chinese Party-State.
