Sze-Fung Lee 李紫楓
@imleeszefung.bsky.social
Writer || Researcher || Columnist
With a particular interest in security policy, nuclear proliferation and Chinese hybrid warfare.
🚏 Views expressed are my own.
linktr.ee/szefung_lee
With a particular interest in security policy, nuclear proliferation and Chinese hybrid warfare.
🚏 Views expressed are my own.
linktr.ee/szefung_lee
4/ And of course, #XueJian is involved
Xue Jian + Osaka Consulate keep showing up in gray-zone pop-up events
FYI. These events likely violate international law, strengthen PRC’s #UnitedFront network in Japan, and bolster its political mobilization capabilities for future operations
Xue Jian + Osaka Consulate keep showing up in gray-zone pop-up events
FYI. These events likely violate international law, strengthen PRC’s #UnitedFront network in Japan, and bolster its political mobilization capabilities for future operations
November 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
4/ And of course, #XueJian is involved
Xue Jian + Osaka Consulate keep showing up in gray-zone pop-up events
FYI. These events likely violate international law, strengthen PRC’s #UnitedFront network in Japan, and bolster its political mobilization capabilities for future operations
Xue Jian + Osaka Consulate keep showing up in gray-zone pop-up events
FYI. These events likely violate international law, strengthen PRC’s #UnitedFront network in Japan, and bolster its political mobilization capabilities for future operations
3/ #Okinawa – highest number of pop-ups
Given its strategic significance in the first-island chain, Beijing could mobilize #unitedfront network to amplify its narratives "undetermined status of Ryuku"/ instill anti-American sentiment/ incite #independence movement on the island
Given its strategic significance in the first-island chain, Beijing could mobilize #unitedfront network to amplify its narratives "undetermined status of Ryuku"/ instill anti-American sentiment/ incite #independence movement on the island
November 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
3/ #Okinawa – highest number of pop-ups
Given its strategic significance in the first-island chain, Beijing could mobilize #unitedfront network to amplify its narratives "undetermined status of Ryuku"/ instill anti-American sentiment/ incite #independence movement on the island
Given its strategic significance in the first-island chain, Beijing could mobilize #unitedfront network to amplify its narratives "undetermined status of Ryuku"/ instill anti-American sentiment/ incite #independence movement on the island
My latest @japantimes.co.jp on Chinese consulates’ #GrayZone operations in Japan (and yes, Xue Jian is involved🙃)
📍60 gray zone pop-up events across 25 prefectures + 21 cities in Japan (2017-2025)
📍PRC Embassy in Japan + 5 PRC #Consulates involved
⚡️x 5
www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...
📍60 gray zone pop-up events across 25 prefectures + 21 cities in Japan (2017-2025)
📍PRC Embassy in Japan + 5 PRC #Consulates involved
⚡️x 5
www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...
November 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
My latest @japantimes.co.jp on Chinese consulates’ #GrayZone operations in Japan (and yes, Xue Jian is involved🙃)
📍60 gray zone pop-up events across 25 prefectures + 21 cities in Japan (2017-2025)
📍PRC Embassy in Japan + 5 PRC #Consulates involved
⚡️x 5
www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...
📍60 gray zone pop-up events across 25 prefectures + 21 cities in Japan (2017-2025)
📍PRC Embassy in Japan + 5 PRC #Consulates involved
⚡️x 5
www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...
3/ #Okinawa – highest number of pop-ups
Given its strategic significance in the first-island chain, Beijing could mobilize #unitedfront network to amplify its narratives of "undetermined status of Ryuku", instill anti-American sentiment/ incite an #independence movement on the island
Given its strategic significance in the first-island chain, Beijing could mobilize #unitedfront network to amplify its narratives of "undetermined status of Ryuku", instill anti-American sentiment/ incite an #independence movement on the island
November 20, 2025 at 3:16 PM
3/ #Okinawa – highest number of pop-ups
Given its strategic significance in the first-island chain, Beijing could mobilize #unitedfront network to amplify its narratives of "undetermined status of Ryuku", instill anti-American sentiment/ incite an #independence movement on the island
Given its strategic significance in the first-island chain, Beijing could mobilize #unitedfront network to amplify its narratives of "undetermined status of Ryuku", instill anti-American sentiment/ incite an #independence movement on the island
4/ Execution Stage
October 30, 2025 at 3:30 PM
4/ Execution Stage
3/ Preparing Stage
October 30, 2025 at 3:30 PM
3/ Preparing Stage
2/ Planning Stage
October 30, 2025 at 3:30 PM
2/ Planning Stage
1/ Designed to empower governments, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, civil society, media, and vulnerable communities, the #framework provides a structured blueprint to
📍Analyze #FI & #TNR TTPs
📍Propose countermeasures to disrupt, deter & prevent such operations at every stage
📍Analyze #FI & #TNR TTPs
📍Propose countermeasures to disrupt, deter & prevent such operations at every stage
October 30, 2025 at 3:30 PM
1/ Designed to empower governments, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, civil society, media, and vulnerable communities, the #framework provides a structured blueprint to
📍Analyze #FI & #TNR TTPs
📍Propose countermeasures to disrupt, deter & prevent such operations at every stage
📍Analyze #FI & #TNR TTPs
📍Propose countermeasures to disrupt, deter & prevent such operations at every stage
A Tactical Framework to Counter and Prevent Transnational Repression w/ @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social by me & @marcuskolga.bsky.social @kentonthibaut.bsky.social nthibaut.bsky.social @nosumacero.bsky.social y.social @lisandranovo.bsky.social
Threads⚡️x 7
www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res...
Threads⚡️x 7
www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res...
October 30, 2025 at 3:30 PM
A Tactical Framework to Counter and Prevent Transnational Repression w/ @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social by me & @marcuskolga.bsky.social @kentonthibaut.bsky.social nthibaut.bsky.social @nosumacero.bsky.social y.social @lisandranovo.bsky.social
Threads⚡️x 7
www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res...
Threads⚡️x 7
www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res...
On Global Taiwan Institute's podcast tdy discussing Chinese #HybridWarfare targeting #Taiwanese citizens via the issuance of ID cards, why cracking down has been proven so controversial (policy gaps & vulnerabilities) + Policy Recommendations
Links below💬
mailchi.mp/globaltaiwan...
Links below💬
mailchi.mp/globaltaiwan...
September 11, 2025 at 3:19 PM
On Global Taiwan Institute's podcast tdy discussing Chinese #HybridWarfare targeting #Taiwanese citizens via the issuance of ID cards, why cracking down has been proven so controversial (policy gaps & vulnerabilities) + Policy Recommendations
Links below💬
mailchi.mp/globaltaiwan...
Links below💬
mailchi.mp/globaltaiwan...
5/ For example –
An an acct named ‘Pocky Miu’ shared the video to 2 community & 2 pro-Beijing groups at 11:05 am HKT
3 of these groups were joined only in Jan 2025
An an acct named ‘Pocky Miu’ shared the video to 2 community & 2 pro-Beijing groups at 11:05 am HKT
3 of these groups were joined only in Jan 2025
August 8, 2025 at 2:21 AM
5/ For example –
An an acct named ‘Pocky Miu’ shared the video to 2 community & 2 pro-Beijing groups at 11:05 am HKT
3 of these groups were joined only in Jan 2025
An an acct named ‘Pocky Miu’ shared the video to 2 community & 2 pro-Beijing groups at 11:05 am HKT
3 of these groups were joined only in Jan 2025
2/ On July 26, a #deepfake video purported to show a leaked conversation between exiled Hong Kong activists @carmenlau.bsky.social @nathanlawkc.bsky.social @finnlau_cd discussing their concerns over the possibility of being extradited from UK to China as UK plans to reinstate an extradition deal
August 8, 2025 at 2:21 AM
2/ On July 26, a #deepfake video purported to show a leaked conversation between exiled Hong Kong activists @carmenlau.bsky.social @nathanlawkc.bsky.social @finnlau_cd discussing their concerns over the possibility of being extradited from UK to China as UK plans to reinstate an extradition deal
My latest @aspi-org.bsky.social The Strategist on Tailored Psychological Warfare: A #Deepfake Video of Hong Kong Activists
📍Significance > a more tailored & comprehensive approach of psychological warfare
📍An early test for China's future ops
Threads⚡️x 7
www.aspistrategist.org.au/tailored-psy...
📍Significance > a more tailored & comprehensive approach of psychological warfare
📍An early test for China's future ops
Threads⚡️x 7
www.aspistrategist.org.au/tailored-psy...
August 8, 2025 at 2:21 AM
My latest @aspi-org.bsky.social The Strategist on Tailored Psychological Warfare: A #Deepfake Video of Hong Kong Activists
📍Significance > a more tailored & comprehensive approach of psychological warfare
📍An early test for China's future ops
Threads⚡️x 7
www.aspistrategist.org.au/tailored-psy...
📍Significance > a more tailored & comprehensive approach of psychological warfare
📍An early test for China's future ops
Threads⚡️x 7
www.aspistrategist.org.au/tailored-psy...
6/ Trends of Intensifying #PsychologicalOperations
📍On March 26, TAO launched a "new initiative" on its website for reporting ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists" (Yet previous data indicates the platform was originally introduced on Aug 2, 2024)
📍TAO's sanction
📍On March 26, TAO launched a "new initiative" on its website for reporting ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists" (Yet previous data indicates the platform was originally introduced on Aug 2, 2024)
📍TAO's sanction
July 31, 2025 at 2:58 PM
6/ Trends of Intensifying #PsychologicalOperations
📍On March 26, TAO launched a "new initiative" on its website for reporting ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists" (Yet previous data indicates the platform was originally introduced on Aug 2, 2024)
📍TAO's sanction
📍On March 26, TAO launched a "new initiative" on its website for reporting ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists" (Yet previous data indicates the platform was originally introduced on Aug 2, 2024)
📍TAO's sanction
3/ A closer look at the Timeline of PRC Cross-Agency Operations & Taiwan Activities (March–June 2025):
>> PRC operations often coincide with countermeasures Taipei takes against PRC hybrid threats, as well as politically significant events with strategic implications for Taiwan
>> PRC operations often coincide with countermeasures Taipei takes against PRC hybrid threats, as well as politically significant events with strategic implications for Taiwan
July 31, 2025 at 2:58 PM
3/ A closer look at the Timeline of PRC Cross-Agency Operations & Taiwan Activities (March–June 2025):
>> PRC operations often coincide with countermeasures Taipei takes against PRC hybrid threats, as well as politically significant events with strategic implications for Taiwan
>> PRC operations often coincide with countermeasures Taipei takes against PRC hybrid threats, as well as politically significant events with strategic implications for Taiwan
2/ How this Cross-Agency Operation works
📍 PSB issued bounty notice
📍 CVERC & 360 Digital published a joint report to support PSB's claim
📍All major PRC state media amplified the allegation and bounty notice using near-identical headlines and content
📍TAO echoed
📍 PSB issued bounty notice
📍 CVERC & 360 Digital published a joint report to support PSB's claim
📍All major PRC state media amplified the allegation and bounty notice using near-identical headlines and content
📍TAO echoed
July 31, 2025 at 2:58 PM
2/ How this Cross-Agency Operation works
📍 PSB issued bounty notice
📍 CVERC & 360 Digital published a joint report to support PSB's claim
📍All major PRC state media amplified the allegation and bounty notice using near-identical headlines and content
📍TAO echoed
📍 PSB issued bounty notice
📍 CVERC & 360 Digital published a joint report to support PSB's claim
📍All major PRC state media amplified the allegation and bounty notice using near-identical headlines and content
📍TAO echoed
My latest @thejamestownfdn.bsky.social on Taiwan Bounty: PRC Cross-Agency Operations Target Taiwanese Military Personnel
📍PRC's latest #HybridWarfare (Psychological warfare + Lawfare + IOs) targeting Taiwan's ICEFCOM
📍Tactics/ Agendas/ Implications
Key findings⚡️x 7
jamestown.org/program/taiw...
📍PRC's latest #HybridWarfare (Psychological warfare + Lawfare + IOs) targeting Taiwan's ICEFCOM
📍Tactics/ Agendas/ Implications
Key findings⚡️x 7
jamestown.org/program/taiw...
July 31, 2025 at 2:58 PM
My latest @thejamestownfdn.bsky.social on Taiwan Bounty: PRC Cross-Agency Operations Target Taiwanese Military Personnel
📍PRC's latest #HybridWarfare (Psychological warfare + Lawfare + IOs) targeting Taiwan's ICEFCOM
📍Tactics/ Agendas/ Implications
Key findings⚡️x 7
jamestown.org/program/taiw...
📍PRC's latest #HybridWarfare (Psychological warfare + Lawfare + IOs) targeting Taiwan's ICEFCOM
📍Tactics/ Agendas/ Implications
Key findings⚡️x 7
jamestown.org/program/taiw...
6/ These political and economic policies – accompanied and reinforced by online and offline #InfluenceOperations – serve as a part of Beijing's broader #HybridWarfare strategies for cross-strait "integration", and ultimately "#reunification"
June 5, 2025 at 3:13 PM
6/ These political and economic policies – accompanied and reinforced by online and offline #InfluenceOperations – serve as a part of Beijing's broader #HybridWarfare strategies for cross-strait "integration", and ultimately "#reunification"
5/ Step II – behavior is further exacerbated by the #perception of gaining travel benefits linked to various PRC residential statuses, and financial incentives such as the PRC government's generous #subsidies and monetary rewards for entrepreneurs starting up businesses in #China
June 5, 2025 at 3:13 PM
5/ Step II – behavior is further exacerbated by the #perception of gaining travel benefits linked to various PRC residential statuses, and financial incentives such as the PRC government's generous #subsidies and monetary rewards for entrepreneurs starting up businesses in #China
2/ How does it work?
This figure illustrates the progression of PRC-Issued Identity Documents for Taiwan Residents and how PRC #InfluenceOperations target Taiwanese to drive them closer to its "reunification" goal in terms of legal status & cognitive alignment in different stages
This figure illustrates the progression of PRC-Issued Identity Documents for Taiwan Residents and how PRC #InfluenceOperations target Taiwanese to drive them closer to its "reunification" goal in terms of legal status & cognitive alignment in different stages
June 5, 2025 at 3:13 PM
2/ How does it work?
This figure illustrates the progression of PRC-Issued Identity Documents for Taiwan Residents and how PRC #InfluenceOperations target Taiwanese to drive them closer to its "reunification" goal in terms of legal status & cognitive alignment in different stages
This figure illustrates the progression of PRC-Issued Identity Documents for Taiwan Residents and how PRC #InfluenceOperations target Taiwanese to drive them closer to its "reunification" goal in terms of legal status & cognitive alignment in different stages
Today @nytimes.com
Imagine China knowing all US plans, and be able to “pre-empt, outflank or outsmart the Americans” in a potential Taiwan invasion — many thanks to such ridiculously unprofessional #OPSEC practices. Inspiring really🎃
nytimes.com/2025/03/27/b...
Imagine China knowing all US plans, and be able to “pre-empt, outflank or outsmart the Americans” in a potential Taiwan invasion — many thanks to such ridiculously unprofessional #OPSEC practices. Inspiring really🎃
nytimes.com/2025/03/27/b...
March 27, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Today @nytimes.com
Imagine China knowing all US plans, and be able to “pre-empt, outflank or outsmart the Americans” in a potential Taiwan invasion — many thanks to such ridiculously unprofessional #OPSEC practices. Inspiring really🎃
nytimes.com/2025/03/27/b...
Imagine China knowing all US plans, and be able to “pre-empt, outflank or outsmart the Americans” in a potential Taiwan invasion — many thanks to such ridiculously unprofessional #OPSEC practices. Inspiring really🎃
nytimes.com/2025/03/27/b...
Excited to share the news that I have been selected to join the #PacificForum Young Leaders Program (YLP)!
I look forward to connecting with inspiring policy specialists and contributing to the conversations on #Indo-Pacific security and geopolitical challenges:)
I look forward to connecting with inspiring policy specialists and contributing to the conversations on #Indo-Pacific security and geopolitical challenges:)
December 13, 2024 at 8:50 PM
Excited to share the news that I have been selected to join the #PacificForum Young Leaders Program (YLP)!
I look forward to connecting with inspiring policy specialists and contributing to the conversations on #Indo-Pacific security and geopolitical challenges:)
I look forward to connecting with inspiring policy specialists and contributing to the conversations on #Indo-Pacific security and geopolitical challenges:)
My report @ChinaBriefJT on PRC Consulates Gray Zone 'Pop-Up’ Events is cited by @newyorktimes.com yesterday!
Happy to share more data on these gray zone activities upon request:)
Read the full report here💬
jamestown.org/program/dipl...
Happy to share more data on these gray zone activities upon request:)
Read the full report here💬
jamestown.org/program/dipl...
December 10, 2024 at 2:22 PM
My report @ChinaBriefJT on PRC Consulates Gray Zone 'Pop-Up’ Events is cited by @newyorktimes.com yesterday!
Happy to share more data on these gray zone activities upon request:)
Read the full report here💬
jamestown.org/program/dipl...
Happy to share more data on these gray zone activities upon request:)
Read the full report here💬
jamestown.org/program/dipl...
7/ ‘Pop-ups’ = Peacetime #Cognitive Domain Operations
📍Broader ideological campaign
📍Intrudes foreign territories + diasporic communities’ cognitive sovereignty
>> Generate a “patriotic united front” for Xi Jinping’s China Dream -- “national rejuvenation”
📍Broader ideological campaign
📍Intrudes foreign territories + diasporic communities’ cognitive sovereignty
>> Generate a “patriotic united front” for Xi Jinping’s China Dream -- “national rejuvenation”
November 13, 2024 at 2:13 AM
7/ ‘Pop-ups’ = Peacetime #Cognitive Domain Operations
📍Broader ideological campaign
📍Intrudes foreign territories + diasporic communities’ cognitive sovereignty
>> Generate a “patriotic united front” for Xi Jinping’s China Dream -- “national rejuvenation”
📍Broader ideological campaign
📍Intrudes foreign territories + diasporic communities’ cognitive sovereignty
>> Generate a “patriotic united front” for Xi Jinping’s China Dream -- “national rejuvenation”