**Beijing’s AI-Powered Bullying of Taiwan Excluded from Ocean Ecology Platform**
China’s use of AI-driven disinformation and harassment has successfully excluded Taiwan from a key platform aimed at addressing maritime ecology, sparking concerns about the escalation of Beijing’s “political warfare” against Taiwan.
The exclusion occurred just as the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC 11) in Mombasa concluded on June 18, with international delegates celebrating billions of dollars in new pledges and the newly signed Mombasa Declaration on fisheries and ocean conservation. The Track 2 platform, which focuses on maritime ecology and conservation, is a crucial venue for sharing knowledge and best practices among nations.
Taiwan, a key player in ocean conservation, was blocked from participating in the platform due to China’s pressure, according to sources. Beijing’s aggressive move is seen as a brazen attempt to silence Taiwan’s voice in international forums and undermine its efforts to protect the ocean.
China’s strategy involves using AI-powered tools to spread disinformation and harassment on social media, targeting Taiwanese officials, academics, and journalists. This “cyber warfare” aims to intimidate and silence Taiwan’s supporters, creating an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship.
The impact of this exclusion could be devastating for Taiwan’s ocean conservation efforts. By blocking Taiwan from the Track 2 platform, China is depriving the country of access to vital information, expertise, and resources that are essential for protecting the ocean.
**What this means**: Taiwan’s exclusion from the Track 2 platform highlights the growing threat of AI-powered disinformation and harassment in international politics. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, it’s increasingly being used to manipulate public opinion and silence dissenting voices. This raises important questions about the role of AI in international relations and the need for more robust measures to counter disinformation and promote transparency.
**The Mombasa Declaration**: On the surface, the Mombasa Declaration appears to be a landmark achievement in ocean conservation, committing nations to new targets and initiatives for protecting the world’s oceans. However, the exclusion of Taiwan from the Track 2 platform casts a shadow over the declaration’s credibility and effectiveness.
**China’s Ocean Agenda**: China’s actions in the Our Ocean Conference raise concerns about its intentions for the ocean. With its rapidly expanding navy and growing interests in ocean resources, China’s influence in the Pacific is becoming increasingly assertive. By excluding Taiwan from the Track 2 platform, China is signaling its intention to dominate the agenda on ocean conservation and conservation efforts in the region.
