A Chinese-backed spamouflage operation posing as Spanish nationals sought to use the catastrophic flooding that hit Valencia, Spain, in October to instigate the overthrow of the country’s government. Disguising themselves as Safeguard Defenders and allegedly based in Spain‘s capital of Madrid, the Chinese agents were active from November through January on the Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), BlueSky, and TikTok social media platforms.
The social media accounts—comprised of Chinese operatives posing as Westerners—posted and amplified content critical of both Spain’s central government in Madrid and of Carlos Mazon, Valencia’s regional governor. The posts, predominantly in English and Spanish, focused primarily on the deadly floods that resulted in the deaths of 200 people.
Aside from amplifying public anger towards Mazon—who many Valencia residents called on to step down amidst his mishandling of the disaster—the Chinese spamouflage operation also targeted Spain’s King Felipe VI and far-left Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The exposure of the social media influence operation suggests the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is less interested in promoting a uniform leftist ideology around the globe. Instead, it seeks to actively undermine Western governments which it sees as even remotely aligned with the interests of the European Union and the United States.
The National Pulse previously reported on a similar and complex Chinese spamouflage operation in the United States during the 2024 presidential election. Chinese agents, using social media, posed as American supporters of President Donald J. Trump and amplified conspiratorial content, such as claims that President Joe Biden is a “Satanist pedophile,” to discredit the MAGA movement. Again, the Chinese aims were less about promoting leftist ideology but instead sowing discord to accelerate the deterioration of public trust among the nation’s populace, which it views as a geopolitical rival. […]
— Read More: thenationalpulse.com
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.