EU softened criticism on Chinese disinformation over the fear of 'repercussions,' according to reports

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EU softened criticism on Chinese disinformation over the fear of 'repercussions,' according to reports

European Union officials softened a report on disinformation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic in response to pressure from China, according to reports.

Both The New York Times and South China Morning Post claimed to have obtained original versions of the report, which each publication cited as more damning than the document published on Friday. The document was supposedly altered following pressure from China over possible “repercussions” against its trade partners.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) subsequently denied editing any portion of the report in response to political pressure, expressing disappointment in the report by the Times.

The UK’s Daily Telegraph reported that China originally attempted to block the report before the EU instead “rearranged or removed” some of the criticism aimed at the Chinese government.

The published report makes note of several efforts by China to spread disinformation, particularly a “coordinated push by official Chinese sources to deflect any blame for the outbreak of the pandemic.”