By Lu Yixin
On Dec. 18, an overseas Chinese military commentator known online as “Truth-Telling Xu” released an audio recording on the social media platform X that he claims documents an attempt to recruit him into external propaganda work linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The recording captures a conversation with another Chinese influencer, identified as “Sunset Pirate,” who allegedly approached Xu in September of the previous year. In the exchange, “Sunset Pirate” claims to be acting as an intermediary for Chinese military-related entities and proposes a monthly payment of €40,000 (approximately $43,000). In return, Xu would produce analysis critical of Taiwan’s military capabilities, with the stated aim of eroding public confidence in Taiwan’s defense posture.
Shortly after the audio was made public, the account associated with “Sunset Pirate” (X handle: bright_hawkins) was deleted. No public response has been issued. Xu later released a 43-minute unedited version of the recording on his YouTube channel, in which several Chinese and foreign online influencers are referenced.
Xu’s X profile lists its IP location as Italy and states opposition to Marxism and communism while expressing support for Taiwan. His commentary focuses on international military affairs, and his pro-Taiwan views are frequently cited in Taiwanese media.
Success
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Success
Check your email to complete sign up
The proposed influence campaign
In the recording, “Sunset Pirate” presents himself as a former employee of a Beijing-based public security intelligence and public-opinion monitoring unit. He describes a network of overseas influencers—based in countries including Japan, Italy, and the United States—who operate across non-political fields such as music, travel, food, and automobiles. These figures, he claims, are tasked with promoting a favorable image of traditional Chinese culture while maintaining an appearance of political neutrality.
Xu was allegedly targeted because of a prior program in which he analyzed a hypothetical military assault on Taiwan, as well as his consistent presentation style, which the speaker characterized as neutral and analytical. Rather than overtly pro-Beijing messaging, Xu was encouraged to highlight weaknesses in Taiwan’s military preparedness in a way that could foster internal skepticism within Taiwanese society.
The speaker emphasized that such content should not circulate through explicitly pro-Beijing outlets. Instead, its value, he argued, would lie in its potential uptake by mainstream Western media, citing CNN as an aspirational example. Xu expressed doubt that such amplification was realistic, noting that even limited citation by outlets such as Radio Free Asia or Taiwanese broadcasters would be notable.
According to the recording, the broader objective was not mass persuasion but gradual influence within overseas Chinese communities. The strategy was framed as a form of low-visibility pressure—effective precisely because it avoided overt political signaling.
Payment and content restrictions
The proposed arrangement included a monthly payment of €40,000, with “Sunset Pirate” indicating that he would retain 30 percent of the sum as an intermediary fee.
When Xu sought clarification on editorial boundaries, the speaker suggested that limited criticism of the CCP would be acceptable, provided it did not extend to Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Xu was also encouraged to comment on Taiwan and Ukraine in ways that could be repurposed as internal reference material.
Within this framework, discussion of perceived shortcomings in Ukraine’s defense was presented as indirectly relevant to Taiwan, with the implication that parallels between the two could weaken confidence in Taiwan’s own military resilience.
Influencer networks and pressure
The conversation also referenced other well-known Chinese-language influencers, including “Li Teacher Is Not Your Teacher,” who, like Xu, is reportedly based in Italy. Xu questioned why he had been approached rather than Li.
In response, “Sunset Pirate” suggested that authorities were aware of both individuals. He implied that cooperation could mitigate potential consequences for family members should action later be taken against others—a remark Xu interpreted as an indirect form of pressure.
Public response
The release of the recording quickly circulated across Taiwanese social media, drawing widespread attention. While many names in the unedited audio were muted, the disclosure prompted significant public engagement.
Xu received an outpouring of messages expressing support, along with online donations. Commenters praised his decision to reject the alleged offer and, in some cases, urged him to take additional precautions, warning that exposing such recruitment efforts could carry personal risk.
Official responses and context
Responding to the broader implications for cross-strait relations, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng stated on Dec. 20 that Beijing’s sense of urgency regarding Taiwan had increased following the CCP’s 20th Party Congress. He pointed to mounting internal and external pressures facing Chinese authorities, which he said had contributed to intensified efforts related to Taiwan policy.
Chiu added that Taiwanese society should reassess its assumptions about the CCP and cross-strait relations. He reiterated that President Lai Ching-te has repeatedly called on Beijing to respect Taiwan’s democratic choices and existing political realities.
