Counter-protests against pro-Hong Kong demonstrators may reflect Chinese state influence
CBC Radio - Day 6 As pro-democracy protests in support of Hong Kong spread around the world, pro-China counter-protesters are stepping up — and according to Chinese history expert Leo Shin, it's because both sides recognize the importance of shaping the West's opinion . "There's a greater sense of awareness on the part of the Chinese state, and also among the Chinese population in general, that public opinions matter — and public opinions in the West matter," Shin told Day 6 host Brent Bambury. While Shin, a University of British Columbia professor, says it's hard to trace the counter-protests back to Beijing, they have the hallmarks of Chinese state influence. The influence is indirect, he says, adding that misinformation about the demonstrations is being spread through social media, and that consuls across the country work to ensure a strong connection with Chinese communities. Last August, the Communist Party of China's Central C...