Chinese 'Spamouflage' operatives are mimicking disillusioned Americans online

Graphika reports that the Beijing-backed 'Spamouflage' influence operation has expanded since mid-2023 to create U.S.-posed inauthentic personas across X (Twitter) and TikTok to amplify divisive narratives about the U.S. elections and hot-button issues (gun control, homelessness, Israel–Hamas, racial inequality). Analysts identified rebranded accounts (e.g., Deep Red → "Common fireman" and Harlan Report) and personas posing as U.S. voters, veterans, or influencers; the operation produced high-reach content (one TikTok video reached ~1.5 million views) and focuses on shaping political discourse rather than endorsing a specific candidate.