China is the new threat to the Nordic countries, according to the outgoing President Hans Wallmark of the Nordic Council.
Wallmark believes he sees an increase in Chinese influence operations, writes Bergens Tidende.
“Russia is the main threat to the Nordic countries. But beyond the military threat, we must add to the Chinese economic and industrial threat. We are seeing increased activity in influence operations from China,” says President Hans Wallmark of the Nordic Council.
He believes that the Nordic countries must strengthen their cooperation and build up their defense against cyber-attacks, spreading fake news and campaigns that try to destabilize and undermine citizens’ trust in the Nordic states.
“Security and enemy images are no longer just military with bombs and grenades, but also the use of digital manipulation and threats. The Nordic countries must become better at defending themselves against this,” he says.
Among other things, Wallmark points out that Chinese have bought a full-page political ad in the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter about the insurgency in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Chinese ambassador to Sweden has actively participated in the political discussion in the country.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
there is an old saying used by tyrants “never let a crises go to waste” and covid 19 will be used to increase control and suppress freedom throughout the world and not just by the usual suspects. the cure could end up being worse than the disease.