PDF Summary:Plan Red, by Gordon G. Chang

In Plan Red, Gordon G. Chang unveils China's ambitious agenda to reshape the global order under Xi Jinping's leadership. This summary explores China's intentions to establish a worldwide pecking order with itself at the apex, gradually undermining the standing of sovereign states and the principles that uphold the current international system.

Chang scrutinizes China's strategies to infiltrate critical sectors of American society, conduct political warfare through disinformation campaigns, and potentially deploy biological weapons like COVID-19. The author sheds light on Beijing's covert schemes—from economic exploitation to the illicit fentanyl trade—painting a portrait of a nation determined to surpass the United States and dominate the global stage.

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China feigned cooperation with the aim of diminishing the United States' clout.

Chang contends that China has consistently exploited the openness and goodwill of the United States to advance its own objectives over time. China pursued a strategy that seemed cooperative and integrative, yet simultaneously took steps to undermine the influence and control of the United States. This included engaging in intellectual property theft, manipulating its currency, and aggressively expanding its military capabilities.

Context

• The US has accused China of intellectual property theft, which involves the unauthorized use of American technology and innovations, impacting industries from tech to pharmaceuticals.
• China has been accused of keeping its currency, the yuan, undervalued to make its exports cheaper and more competitive on the global market. This practice has been criticized for creating trade imbalances that favor China.
• In regions like the South China Sea, China has taken assertive actions to expand its territorial claims, often in opposition to U.S. interests and international law, which has been a point of tension between the two nations.
• This can include hacking into corporate networks to steal trade secrets, reverse engineering products, or violating patents and copyrights.
• Currency manipulation refers to a country's actions to influence the exchange rate of its currency to gain an unfair advantage in international trade. This often involves a government buying or selling its own currency in foreign exchange markets to affect its value.
• China has focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing into its military operations, aiming to gain a technological edge over potential adversaries.

Strategies orchestrated by Beijing were designed to disrupt the political balance within the United States.

China, under Xi Jinping's direction, is actively implementing a broad strategy aimed at conducting political warfare against the United States. This involves employing propaganda, spreading disinformation, and manipulating social media to infiltrate American society's core, consequently weakening its foundational structures and inciting internal conflict.

Beijing's campaigns of misinformation and deception were specifically aimed at the United States.

Chang uncovers the complex strategies employed by China to disseminate propaganda and misinformation aimed at eroding the trust in American leadership, institutions, and values, affecting perceptions both within the United States and internationally.

China undermines confidence in American leadership and institutions by engaging diplomatically and leveraging various online platforms for communication.

Chang underscores specific cases in which China has been actively disseminating false information and carrying out propaganda campaigns to undermine confidence in the electoral system, while also promoting baseless stories about the origins of COVID-19. He emphasizes that Beijing utilizes government-controlled media and multiple internet platforms to spread stories aimed at creating discord and doubt among Americans, thus undermining their trust in the nation's leadership and core institutions.

Other Perspectives

• The focus on China may divert attention from addressing internal vulnerabilities within the American electoral system that can be exploited by any actor.
• Some narratives that are labeled as propaganda may actually stem from a difference in perspective or opinion, rather than a deliberate attempt to sow discord.
• It is important to consider that multiple countries and actors have engaged in spreading various narratives about the pandemic's origins, not exclusively China.
• It is important to distinguish between legitimate diplomatic engagement, which is a normal part of international relations, and malicious interference.
• The assertion that Beijing is undermining trust assumes a passive audience in the United States, which may not account for the critical thinking and media literacy of the American public.

Covert activities orchestrated by Beijing intensify chaos and disruption throughout the United States.

Chang details how China amplifies existing divisions within American society to weaken the country's unity. Gordon G. Chang warns that the leadership in Beijing intentionally aggravates sensitive issues and escalates existing conflicts, creating a chaotic and unstable situation that undermines the unity and diminishes the ability of the United States to act decisively on the global stage.

Other Perspectives

• The assertion may lack concrete evidence, as covert operations are, by nature, secretive and difficult to prove definitively, which means conclusions drawn may be speculative.
• The claim may underestimate the resilience and adaptability of American institutions and society in dealing with internal divisions and external interference.
• The instability in the United States could be primarily a result of domestic issues and not necessarily due to the actions of any foreign government.
• The concept of unity within the U.S. is multifaceted, and while certain actions may create disruption, they do not necessarily lead to a long-term or irreversible undermining of national unity.
• The United States has a robust system of checks and balances that can mitigate the impact of external influences, ensuring that its ability to act decisively on the global stage remains intact.

China's infiltration into the fabric of American life

China executes strategic initiatives to infiltrate American society, with the objective of influencing the choices of politicians, scholars, corporations, and law enforcement bodies, thus fostering a network of proponents who back its objectives.

China is deeply interested in numerous aspects of American life, encompassing the political, academic, commercial, and legal domains.

Chang emphasizes the comprehensive strategies employed by China to infiltrate crucial American domains including politics, academia, commerce, and policing by targeting individuals with significant influence. Gordon G. Chang describes the strategies used by the Chinese government, which include monetary enticements, covert intelligence operations, and the application of pressure on important figures, to establish relationships and secure a foothold in crucial sectors of American society.

Other Perspectives

• The term "deeply interested" could be considered subjective and may not accurately reflect the complexity of international relations, where interests are often multifaceted and not solely focused on one nation.
• The focus on China targeting influential individuals could be seen as an oversimplification, as global interactions are complex and involve a multitude of actors, including businesses, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
• Applying pressure on important figures is a tactic seen in international relations across various countries and is not unique to China's approach to foreign policy.

The entity known as the United Front Work Department engages in operations on American soil aimed at Chinese nationals and Americans of Chinese descent, subjecting them to intimidation.

Chang illuminates the activities of the UFWD, a potent branch of the Party tasked with extending China's influence worldwide. He reveals the activities of the UFWD, an organization that oversees a network of seemingly innocuous groups active within the United States, performing tasks ranging from cultural outreach to monitoring and influencing both dissenters of the leadership and those who challenge it.

Context

• The targeting of Chinese nationals and Americans of Chinese descent can involve both direct and indirect methods, such as social pressure, economic incentives, or threats to family members in China.
• The UFWD employs a range of tactics, from cultural diplomacy and academic exchanges to more covert operations like intelligence gathering and influencing foreign political systems.
• The concept of a united front has roots in Leninist strategy, which the CCP adapted to build alliances with non-Communist groups to achieve its goals.
• The UFWD's activities can create divisions within Chinese communities abroad, as individuals may feel pressured to conform to CCP expectations or face repercussions.

The exploitation of transparent economic practices in the United States by China, along with the global trend toward interconnected markets.

The Chinese government has adeptly exploited the United States' openness and dedication to worldwide economic engagement, leading to a substantial penetration of American establishments, a robust foothold in key sectors of the U.S. economy, and an outsized sway over policy-making in the United States.

China has utilized its economic ties in conjunction with American diplomatic efforts to establish a presence within institutions in the United States.

Chang contends that the outcomes of America's sustained engagement with China have, in reality, defied expectations. Rather than promoting openness and assimilation, engagement with China has paved the way for the exploitation and manipulation of weaknesses in the United States' systems and institutions. Chang posits that China's infiltration has enabled it to wield influence over American policymakers, thus advancing its strategic objectives within the nation.

Context

• These are educational partnerships between Chinese and American universities that have been criticized for promoting Chinese government agendas and limiting academic freedom.
• Chinese investments in U.S. infrastructure, such as telecommunications and energy, raise concerns about national security and potential vulnerabilities.
• Through initiatives like Confucius Institutes and cultural exchanges, China promotes its values and perspectives, potentially swaying public opinion and policy.
• Chinese entities have engaged in lobbying efforts to influence US legislation and policy in ways that favor Chinese interests, often through intermediaries or lobbying firms.

China employs a comprehensive array of strategies to confound American policymakers.

Chang argues that the entrenched relationships formed by ongoing international collaboration currently place the United States in a less advantageous position. The author contends that China's deep-rooted economic and social connections enable it to influence the infrastructure of the United States and mold choices at various levels. Chang contends that such circumstances diminish the United States' ability to effectively respond to the combative strategies employed by China's government and its ruling party.

Other Perspectives

• American policymakers may not be as easily confused as suggested; they have access to extensive intelligence and analysis resources to understand and counter foreign strategies.
• The United States has a history of leveraging its international partnerships to promote its own policy goals and values, suggesting that collaboration does not inherently lead to a disadvantage but can be a tool for leadership and influence.
• The U.S. private sector is innovative and influential, often acting independently of government strategies, which can contribute to a dynamic response to international economic competition.

Efforts by China to cause biological and chemical damage to the people of the United States.

This section of the narrative scrutinizes China's use of biological and chemical agents to engage in conflict with American interests. Chang implies that China deliberately spread the COVID-19 pandemic and intensified the opioid epidemic by circulating fentanyl throughout America. Additionally, Chang emphasizes the United States' preparedness for biological warfare, a capability tied to clandestine labs established by operatives from China.

China's involvement in the Covid-19 outbreak

Chang presents a harsh assessment of China's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, suggesting that it constitutes a deliberate attack with the use of biological weapons on an international level.

The virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic is thought to have emerged from research labs in China, where it was intentionally released.

Chang presents the theory that a laboratory in Wuhan, known for its virology studies, could be the birthplace of the COVID-19 virus, potentially linked to biowarfare research, and suggests that its spread might have been a deliberate act carried out by Chinese officials. The writer outlines how the initial warnings about the virus were stifled by the Chinese government, how the transmissibility of the illness was downplayed, and how individuals who attempted to raise awareness faced retribution. Chang contends that China's conduct enabled the virus to proliferate without restraint, escalating a local epidemic to a global health emergency.

Other Perspectives

• There is a natural precedent for coronaviruses to emerge from wildlife, as seen with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, which strengthens the argument for a natural origin of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19.
• The scientific process is based on peer-reviewed evidence and reproducibility, and to date, there has been no peer-reviewed evidence presented that conclusively supports the theory of intentional release.
• The lab leak hypothesis has been used politically, which can detract from a scientific and unbiased investigation into the origins of the virus.
• International health regulations and bioweapons treaties, such as the Biological Weapons Convention, are in place to prevent the development and use of biological agents for warfare, and there is no verified breach of these treaties by China with respect to COVID-19.
• The complexity of viral evolution and transmission makes it difficult to attribute the spread of a virus to a single act of intent without extensive and conclusive evidence.
• There were instances of Chinese doctors and scientists, such as Dr. Li Wenliang, attempting to sound the alarm, indicating that there was not a complete suppression of warnings.
• Downplaying the transmissibility may not have been intentional but rather a result of the uncertainty and rapidly changing information available to public health officials at the time.
• The perception of retribution could be influenced by cultural misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the actions taken by the Chinese government or institutions.
• The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic presented a steep learning curve for all governments, and many countries adjusted their responses as more information became available.
• The World Health Organization and other international bodies played significant roles in the dissemination of information and guidance, which were factors in the global response.

China's delay in revealing details about the transmission from person to person played a significant role in the disease's progression to a global outbreak.

Chang highlights the timeline of COVID-19's appearance and argues that authorities in China deliberately delayed disclosing details regarding the virus's ability to transmit from person to person to the international community. Despite the early indications in December 2019 of the virus's ability to spread, China persisted in minimizing the dangers and applied pressure on other nations to keep their frontiers unrestricted to individuals traveling from within its borders. Chang asserts that such behaviors were a significant factor in the virus's swift proliferation worldwide.

Context

• The delay in acknowledging human-to-human transmission affected the global response, as countries were slower to implement travel restrictions and other preventive measures, contributing to the rapid spread of the virus.
• The perceived lack of transparency has led to strained diplomatic relations and discussions about international health regulations and the responsibilities of nations in reporting outbreaks.
• Initially, the WHO relied on information from Chinese authorities, which affected its early assessments and recommendations regarding the virus's transmissibility.
• Governments may have faced internal political and social pressures to avoid drastic measures like border closures, which could be unpopular or seen as overreactions at the time.
• The COVID-19 outbreak began in Wuhan, China, a major transportation hub, which facilitated the virus's spread both domestically and internationally.

China's dissemination of dangerous substances like Fentanyl.

Chang outlines the involvement of Chinese officials in the production and dissemination of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for a deadly addiction crisis in the United States.

China Enables Fentanyl Production, Fueling US Opioid Crisis

Chang argues that the Chinese government is deliberately involved in the illicit fentanyl trade, wreaking havoc in communities across America. Gordon G. Chang argues that the extensive surveillance and strict control over the financial systems in China should make it impossible for substantial fentanyl production and distribution to occur without the knowledge and tacit approval of the authorities. Chang contends that the promises made by China to limit fentanyl exports are insubstantial and not trustworthy, emphasizing the continued support the country provides to producers and distributors of the drug.

Other Perspectives

• The global nature of the drug trade means that production and distribution networks can span multiple countries, making it an international issue rather than the responsibility of a single nation.
• The extensive surveillance and strict control over financial systems in China are designed to maintain social order and economic stability, and it is not necessarily the case that these systems are effective in detecting and preventing all illicit activities, such as fentanyl production and distribution.
• The claim does not account for the possibility of non-state actors being primarily responsible for the production and distribution of fentanyl, operating independently of state support or oversight.

Monitoring and supervising lethal trade tactics within China.

Chang emphasizes the clear discrepancy between China's advanced surveillance capabilities and its declared inability to control the manufacture and dissemination of synthetic opioids. The writer argues that the pervasive monitoring system employed by China's authorities almost certainly ensures their knowledge of the key crime syndicates involved in the distribution of fentanyl. Chang emphasizes the crucial function that banks under the control of the Chinese government play in legitimizing the earnings from unlawful endeavors, which suggests the involvement of the highest levels of the nation's governance.

Other Perspectives

• China's surveillance system, while advanced, may not be as omnipotent as suggested, with limitations in scope and effectiveness, particularly in tracking clandestine operations.
• The knowledge of crime syndicates does not necessarily equate to the ability or willingness to take action against them, as there may be complex socio-political and economic factors at play.
• The involvement of banks in illegal activities could be the result of rogue employees acting without the knowledge or approval of higher management or the government.
• The involvement of high-level governance in unlawful activities is a serious accusation that requires substantial evidence; without concrete proof, such claims could be considered speculative or defamatory.

Beijing appears to be preparing for germ warfare on U.S. territory.

Chang emphasizes the disturbing revelation of clandestine facilities in the United States linked to China, which could compromise the nation's readiness for combat involving biological agents.

Laboratories housing hazardous organisms show intentions to disseminate illnesses.

Chang highlights the discovery of an unauthorized lab in Reedley, California in 2023, interpreting it as a sign that Beijing could be preparing for biological warfare on American soil. The discovery of a stash of deadly pathogens, including Ebola and a range of other viruses that can cause severe disease in humans, at a facility run by Chinese nationals raised serious concerns about the intentions of the nation. Chang argues that this laboratory, potentially in conjunction with other hidden locations, represents a new and dangerous dimension in China's complex challenge to the United States.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer to speak at local schools or community centers about the dangers of unauthorized labs, using your knowledge to educate others. Prepare a simple presentation that outlines the risks these labs pose to public health and safety, and offer tips on how to report suspicious activity to the authorities. Sharing real-life incidents and their impacts can make the information more relatable and compelling for your audience.
• Educate yourself on basic hygiene and disease prevention techniques to minimize your risk of contracting or spreading infectious diseases. This could involve taking an online course or reading up-to-date materials from credible health education websites. Implementing these practices, such as proper handwashing techniques and understanding when to use personal protective equipment like masks and gloves, can be a proactive step in personal health management.
• Start a habit of reading labels and safety data sheets for household chemicals and products. This practice will help you understand the potential hazards present in everyday items and foster a mindset of safety and awareness regarding the spread of harmful agents. For instance, if you notice a cleaner has a biohazard symbol, you'll know to handle it with extra care.
• You can increase your awareness of biosecurity by subscribing to alerts from health organizations like the CDC or WHO. By doing so, you'll receive timely updates on potential biological threats and safety guidelines, which can help you stay informed about risks and protective measures.
• You can explore your local area to uncover its hidden history or lesser-known sites by using geocaching as a fun and interactive method. Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. This activity can give you a sense of discovery similar to uncovering a network of hidden locations, as you'll be searching for things that are not obvious to the average passerby.
• Start a habit of using apps that promote products made in your own country to become more conscious of your purchasing power. Apps like these often have a barcode scanning feature that tells you where a product is made, allowing you to make more informed decisions that align with your geopolitical concerns. For instance, if you're concerned about the balance of power, you might choose to support local industries.

China is exploiting the United States' permeable frontiers to slip in persons potentially affiliated with the People's Liberation Army, with the intent to execute attacks and provoke disturbances.

Chang posits that China is infiltrating operatives, potentially including military personnel, into the United States via its exposed southern border. He references reports of coordinated groups of young Chinese males, exhibiting conduct consistent with the instruction received from the People's Liberation Army, as they navigate the treacherous Darien jungle on their way to the United States border. Chang warns that these operatives, once they have entered the United States, could carry out harmful actions, undermine vital infrastructure, and spread terror and disorder among the citizens.

Practical Tips

• Start a neighborhood information exchange to keep your community informed about safety and security. This could be a social media group or a regular newsletter where residents can share news, updates, and tips on staying safe. This initiative fosters a sense of collective responsibility and vigilance without requiring specialized knowledge or skills.
• Start a hobbyist's observation journal to track and analyze patterns in international military behaviors. Without any specialized skills, you can begin noting down observations from international news and social media about military movements or training exercises. Over time, you might start to see trends or behaviors that align with professional military training, which could provide a deeper insight into global military dynamics.
• You can enhance your personal cybersecurity by updating all your digital devices with the latest security software and using strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. This minimizes the risk of cyber attacks on your personal infrastructure, which could contribute to wider security efforts. For example, regularly check for updates on your computer and smartphone, and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.