US democracy watchdog group Freedom House urged governments on Wednesday to impose penalties on Chinese officials and tighten broadcast regulations amid a "dramatic expansion" in Chinese efforts to influence media overseas, Reuters reports. It also said the United States and other governments should support policies that require Chinese media to disclose spending on paid advertorials, ownership structures, and other economic ties to Chinese state actors. In recent years, Chinese state media and private internet companies have invested heavily overseas, prompting concern from lawmakers and rights groups that Beijing could remotely curtail criticism and expand its sphere of influence. Freedom House was among several U.S. NGOs sanctioned by China in December over what Beijing says are efforts to interfere in its internal affairs. China says the NGOs are inciting criminal activity by supporting pro-democracy forces in Hong Kong.

Source: The Standard January 15, 2020 06:50 UTC