On May 13th, the top academic journal “Nature” published the latest research titled “State Media Control Influences Large Language Models,” pointing out that the brainwashing propaganda of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has massively infiltrated and contaminated the global mainstream AI training databases. This has caused multiple AI systems, especially when answering politically sensitive topics in Chinese, to lean towards the CCP’s viewpoint.
Researchers warned that governments do not need to directly control AI companies, as through massive internet content output, they could indirectly shape the AI’s “worldview.” The study was conducted by scholars from the University of Oregon, Purdue University, University of California San Diego, New York University, and Princeton University.
Experts believe that both religious united front and AI cognitive warfare are common infiltration techniques used by the CCP, which can unconsciously alter one’s cognition and lead to making incorrect, self-harming choices. Therefore, everyone should be vigilant.
Liu Yuxi, an associate professor at Shih Hsin University in Taiwan and a member of the Presidential Office’s All-Society Defense Resilience Committee, pointed out in the program “News Decoded” on NTD Television that whether young or old, people are highly reliant on AI. The issue lies in the source of big data, as the CCP intentionally pollutes the sources with a vast amount of data, including fake websites and a massive amount of information. When most of the information retrieved by AI comes from CCP’s narrative, the results generated by AI would predominantly reflect the distorted narrative of the CCP.
A report by the New York-based social media analytics company, Graphika, on January 13, 2026, stated that a vast network comprising 43 counterfeit domain names and 37 subdomains closely replicated the layout of internationally renowned media, spreading propaganda messages and pro-CCP sentiments, even attacking dissidents. Related networks of spamouflage utilized machine-generated voices and AI-generated “deepfake” videos of fictitious characters to amplify and promote pro-CCP discourse on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Liu Yuxi analyzed that the fake media websites mimic famous media names, much like counterfeit products seen in supermarkets. Unwittingly visiting these fake websites would expose individuals to news that aligns with the CCP’s version of events. She mentioned that the CCP can use AI to write articles, and many of the CCP-manipulated internet trolls in social media are AI-based. The emergence of AI has reduced the CCP’s cognitive warfare costs and lowered its united front costs.
Liu Yuxi emphasized the importance of verifying the credibility of AI-generated results from reliable sources when using AI. Many AI tools, like Gemini, include message sources that can be verified by clicking on them. If an AI application does not provide the source, one can add a line in the command requesting all information sources to be attached.
Furthermore, Liu Yuxi noted that although AI responses may appear logical, they might only score 60 or 70 from a professional perspective. Therefore, after consulting AI on various fields, it is advisable to seek opinions from genuine experts for a more comprehensive understanding.
Liu Yuxi recalled participating in a cross-border research collaboration between Taiwan and the United States, where she conducted a study published in the “Foreign Policy Analysis” journal, volume 20, issue 3, in July 2024. The eight-year study involved complex mathematical models and in-depth interviews at various temples.
She mentioned that since 2018, certain Ma Zu temples in Taiwan witnessed unusual activities. Temples from mainland China or their followers initiated interactions with Ma Zu temples in southern Taiwan, organizing activities for pilgrimages back to mainland China.
Ma Zu tradition involves “Ma Zu returning to her maiden home,” where believers and temples form pilgrimage groups around Ma Zu’s birthday to welcome her spirit back to the ancestral temple, accompanied by various rituals.
In regards to CCP’s infiltration through the Ma Zu tradition, Liu Yuxi explained that the CCP’s distortion of the tradition has become a purely political maneuver following the destruction of many traditional temples, including Ma Zu temples, during the Cultural Revolution. This political operation has clouded the genuine religious faith with a politically motivated narrative.
Liu Yuxi highlighted the concept of united front waged by the CCP, emphasizing that united front is not just a military strategy but a method to unify various fronts, befriending and gradually swaying groups toward CCP’s stance. She indicated that the religious bureau overseeing religions is under the CCP’s united front department, reflecting the party’s control over religious communities.
From the interviews with believers, Liu Yuxi discovered that officials from the Communist Party’s united front department greeted Taiwanese believers during their pilgrimage where they gradually engaged in neutral interactions, including adding each other on messaging platforms like WeChat or Line. Initially sharing neutral content such as health information, diet advice, Chinese solar terms, or intriguing stories, they gradually introduced politically motivated content about Taiwanese society. Over time, some Ma Zu believers were subtly influenced without realizing it.
Regarding the successful infiltration, Liu Yuxi stressed the importance of source monopolization. When receiving daily messages from exclusive sources like LINE groups, if the messages are either entirely fake or distorted, it becomes easier to manipulate individuals. This monopolization of information sources is crucial for the success of united front tactics, gradually altering perspectives without immediate awareness.
Drawing from her research, Liu Yuxi stated that the study did not focus solely on the impact on Ma Zu temples but encompassed all temples to understand the extent of influence. While some temples were significantly influenced, others were not affected at all when evaluating the response among different deities like Ma Zu, San Tai Zi, Guan Gong, and Christian church.
Some people question why she evaluated the effectiveness of the CCP’s united front policy. Liu Yuxi emphasized the continuous efforts of the CCP in united front strategies, adapting their approaches to different situations. She clarified that the CCP’s infiltration is a dynamic process where temples that were initially unaffected could be swayed by intentional interactions or influence from external factors. Engaging with temple representatives could also help retract temples edging towards the CCP’s influence.
In response to concerns about temple infiltration, Liu Yuxi, who grew up in temples, affirmed that the deities belonged to the people’s beliefs and hearts, not the Communist Party. She shared a story about a night during the Cultural Revolution when all Chinese deities crossed the Taiwan Strait amid thunder and storm. Liu Yuxi stressed that through belief and faith, deities reside within individuals’ minds and hearts, strengthening their spiritual connection.
In conclusion, Liu Yuxi urged everyone to be vigilant against the CCP’s united front strategies, maintain a reverent attitude towards deities, verify information from various sources rigorously, and be wary of subtle penetrations that could lead to significant changes in beliefs and perspectives.