[hkarthik]

Not sure how anyone is surprised by this.

It's been proven that Russian influence peddling is well funded and active, even if its effect is hotly debated since Republicans pretend its negligible, while Democrats act like it's the only reason Trump won 2016.

It was just a matter of time before other foreign actors saw what's possible and decided it's a better use of their funds to influence American politics rather than expensive arms races or insurgencies.

Why spend a few billion on nuclear programs and arming militias when you can instead spend a few million on troll farms and push your agenda forward more effectively?

[benjohnson]

It's been going on for a long time however - 1996 is a good example of the CCP influencing American politics.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_United_States_campaign_fi...