The evolution of Dr. Yan Limen
As early as mid-January, Ms. Yan, who does research in Hong Kong, had heard rumors that a dangerous new virus had emerged in mainland China and that the government was playing it down.Worried about her personal safety and career, she offered her help to her favorite Chinese-language YouTube host, known for his criticism of the Chinese government.
sensation in the right-wing media, with President Trump's top advisers and conservative pundits hailing her as a hero.Just as quickly, social media labeled her interview as containing "false information," and scientists rejected her research as ssophism dressed up in jargon.
Ms. Yan's evolution from researcher to whistler is the product of the collaboration of two unrelated but increasingly united groups spreading disinformation: a small but active overseas Chinese group, and a highly influential far-right group in the United States.
Both groups see an opportunity to advance their agendas in the novel coronavirus pandemic.For overseas Chinese, Ms. Yan and her baseless claims provide a weapon for those seeking to overthrow the Chinese government.For American conservatives, it allows them to pander to rising anti-China sentiment in the West and distract attention from the Trump administration's failure to respond to the epidemic.
The evolution of Mr. Yan was orchestrated by Guo Wengui, a fugitive Chinese billionaire, and Stephen K. Bannon, a former adviser to Mr. Trump.
sensation in the right-wing media, with President Trump's top advisers and conservative pundits hailing her as a hero.Just as quickly, social media labeled her interview as containing "false information," and scientists rejected her research as ssophism dressed up in jargon.
Ms. Yan's evolution from researcher to whistler is the product of the collaboration of two unrelated but increasingly united groups spreading disinformation: a small but active overseas Chinese group, and a highly influential far-right group in the United States.
Both groups see an opportunity to advance their agendas in the novel coronavirus pandemic.For overseas Chinese, Ms. Yan and her baseless claims provide a weapon for those seeking to overthrow the Chinese government.For American conservatives, it allows them to pander to rising anti-China sentiment in the West and distract attention from the Trump administration's failure to respond to the epidemic.
The evolution of Mr. Yan was orchestrated by Guo Wengui, a fugitive Chinese billionaire, and Stephen K. Bannon, a former adviser to Mr. Trump.