Karoline Leavitt: American Media Must Stand Firm Against CCP-Sponsored Lawfare

America has been long considered a bastion in freedom. First Amendment protections have been in place for speech, association and political viewpoints. The First Amendment guarantees that we can speak out against any American or foreign government without fear of reprisals. This most sacred freedom is being attacked by Chinese communist-linked groups working through the American legal system.

A law firm representing the American government was established on January 30th, 2012. “Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund”The Washington Times was contacted by a group known for its close ties to CCP-controlled China. In this demand letter, the Times was accused of hosting opinion pieces that decried the actions CCP-linked entities. This was deemed defamatory. This apparent attempt to suppress free-press and open expression of Chinese dissidents is only one example. These tactics have been used by the CCP for many years. Communist China has a history of brutal assaults on freedom speech and commentary. Now, this socialist state is turning its gaze to foreign targets, and attempting to leverage America’s legal system as the tool through which to attack.

Strategic use of lawsuits and demand letters directed to national media organizations is one of the main ways the CCP is manipulating the American legal systems. These lawsuits are filed in American courts, and aim to intimidate and silence those who speak out against CCP. This weaponization by the American legal system could have serious consequences for free speech and the democratic principles that America holds dear. CCP’s use lawsuits and demand letters to silence dissent is a disturbing precedent that could threaten the foundations of America’s legal system. CCP’s use American courts for its agenda is particularly concerning because it is often done with support and collaboration from American lawyers, who will abuse their positions and exploit American law to their financial advantage. The CCP-linked US law firms seem to have chosen easy profits over the narrow path of patriotic duty. The CCP is winning yet another battle in the multifaceted cold war against capitalism, freedom and democracy by turning American media and legal organizations against one another. 

The CCP has used this tactic to silence dissent for years. It’s also been successfully used in China to limit free speech and stop the spread of critical information. The CCP’s attempts to control the global narrative have seen a significant increase in the use of this strategy against conservative media organisations based abroad. This is a clear attempt at reducing the credibility and limiting the flow of information on the CCP and its activities. It is also a warning for others who might consider reporting on China’s government and its actions. If they do, they could be subject to legal action. CCP seems to think that such attacks would have a chilling impact on American media. They have so far been right.

CCP-linked actors working with American lawyers to silence dissident voices will make freedom of expression impossible in America. The Washington Times has given in to communism. However, other freedom-loving American media outlets need to resist a growing tide of censorship inspired by socialists from Asia. It is terrifying to see the enemy of freedom use weaponized lawfare tactics. But, if our first principles require that we allow disagreements and dissident opinions to be allowed, then American media must strongly resist CCP sponsored lawfare at all cost.

American media outlets should call out these attacks and expose the state-sponsored censorship against dissident commentaries. These attacks can be repelled only by news organizations in the United States. It remains to be seen if they have enough strength to do so.

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