China-linked influence operation tried to overthrow Spain’s government, report says

A China-linked influence operation impersonated a human rights organization on social media to encourage Spaniards to overthrow their government in the wake of the deadly October floods in Valencia, according to a new report.

Accounts associated with the Spamouflage operation, which is reportedly linked to China, posed as the Madrid-based Safeguard Defenders on social media platforms including Facebook, X, BlueSky and TikTok from November to January, according to the report, which was authored by American social network analysis firm Graphika.

Posts from the imposter accounts purported to show both English and Spanish content critical of the Madrid government and of Valencia Governor Carlos Mazon after devastating floods that killed over 200 people.

Mazon faced considerable outrage for his perceived failure of leadership during the disaster, but refused to step down despite mounting pressure. The disaster laid bare the distrust that many Spaniards feel for the ruling classes.

National figures were also the target of anger from the local population, which chased Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe VI out of the hard-hit town of Paiporta. A far-right group claimed responsibility for the violence against Sanchez.

According to Graphika, the influence campaign represents an escalation in Spamouflage’s activities, as it marks the first time the operation has called for a government to be overthrown. Spamouflage, which has been operational since 2017, has also been linked to attempts to foment political discontent in both the U.S. and Canada. The operation has denied any connection to the Chinese government.