In a startling revelation, the Pentagon has admitted to conducting a covert anti-vaccine propaganda campaign in the Philippines, aimed at discrediting China’s Sinovac vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic. This operation, exposed by a Reuters investigation, was part of a broader effort by the US military to counter China’s growing influence through what has been termed “vaccine diplomacy.”

The disinformation campaign involved the use of fake social media accounts to spread false narratives about the safety and efficacy of the Sinovac vaccine. These accounts, numbering around 300, were active primarily in 2020 and early 2021, promoting the hashtag #Chinaangvirus and other similar messages to sow doubt among Filipinos about the Chinese-made vaccine.

The campaign’s impact has been significant, contributing to vaccine hesitancy in a country already struggling with low vaccination rates. At the height of the pandemic, the Philippines had one of the lowest inoculation rates in Southeast Asia, with only a small percentage of its population vaccinated by mid-2021. The scarcity of alternative vaccines exacerbated the situation, leaving Sinovac as one of the few available options.

The revelation has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Filipino health officials and public figures have condemned the US actions, arguing that they exploited an already vulnerable population and undermined public health efforts. The Chinese government has also responded, calling for transparency and accountability from the United States, asserting that the Filipino people and the international community deserve to know the truth.

The US Department of Defense has acknowledged the campaign, but detailed information remains sparse. The operation has been widely criticized as unethical and dangerous, potentially endangering lives for geopolitical gain. The campaign is reminiscent of previous controversial psyops, such as the CIA’s use of a fake vaccination campaign in Pakistan, which similarly led to a public health crisis.

As investigations continue, the incident highlights the complex interplay of geopolitics and public health, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of state actions in times of global crisis. The situation in the Philippines serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of disinformation, particularly in vulnerable regions where access to accurate information and essential healthcare can mean the difference between life and death.