The Real Threat that is China and its Chinese Communist Party (CCP)
Via John B. Wells Rumble Channel (interview begins at the 2:24:15 mark):
On a recent edition of Ark Midnight’s Intelligence Briefing, host John B. Wells welcomed Epoch Times investigative reporter Joshua Philipp for a wide-ranging discussion on global power dynamics, intelligence operations, and the shifting threats that define the twenty-first century. The conversation moved through several key themes, including the methods used by authoritarian regimes, the vulnerabilities of democratic societies, and the way information warfare has blurred the line between journalism, propaganda, and espionage.
Philipp began by outlining how intelligence gathering is no longer confined to traditional spies or covert agents. Instead, modern state actors have adapted to exploit the openness of democratic systems. Universities, think tanks, and even corporate boardrooms have become avenues for influence. This, he argued, makes countries like the United States especially vulnerable because transparency and open exchange of ideas are strengths that can also be manipulated. Wells agreed, noting that citizens often underestimate the sophistication of adversaries who are willing to weaponize openness against them.
The conversation turned to China, where Philipp has focused much of his reporting. He described how the Chinese Communist Party has developed an all-encompassing system of surveillance and censorship, perfected at home and then exported abroad. The Belt and Road Initiative, in his view, is not merely an infrastructure project but a mechanism for gaining strategic footholds while building dependency. He warned that countries that accept Chinese financing often find themselves subject to political pressure, with sovereignty compromised by economic entanglement. Wells underscored the point by comparing it to a Trojan horse: what seems like economic assistance carries hidden costs that may not surface until years later.
Epoch Times Reporter Exposes CCP secrets
From there, the two examined information warfare. Philipp emphasized that propaganda has evolved into a primary battlefield. Unlike conventional military conflict, the objective is not to defeat an enemy outright but to erode confidence in institutions, divide populations, and muddy the perception of truth. He cited how foreign state media outlets and social media campaigns often work in tandem, creating echo chambers that amplify disinformation. Wells pressed the issue by asking how average citizens can discern fact from manipulation. Philipp responded that discernment requires not only media literacy but also a willingness to question narratives that appear too perfectly aligned with political agendas.
A major portion of the interview centered on terrorism and proxy conflicts. Philipp described how militant groups often serve as extensions of larger state powers, providing plausible deniability while advancing strategic goals. The Middle East, he suggested, remains a focal point because it sits at the intersection of ideology, geopolitics, and resources. Wells reflected on how repeated cycles of instability in the region rarely arise spontaneously but are frequently stoked by external players who benefit from chaos. Both men agreed that citizens in democratic countries often receive only partial explanations for why conflicts erupt, while deeper strategic motives remain concealed behind diplomatic language.
The role of technology and cyber operations was also discussed at length. Philipp noted that cyber intrusions today are not only about stealing secrets but also about laying the groundwork for future disruptions. Infiltrations into infrastructure systems, from power grids to communications, could serve as leverage in times of crisis. The danger, he warned, is that such operations are often discovered only after damage has been done. Wells pointed out that ordinary people may not fully grasp how fragile the interconnected systems of modern life have become, given their reliance on technology that is assumed to be secure.
As the interview moved toward its conclusion, Philipp returned to the theme of personal responsibility. He argued that individuals cannot rely solely on governments to safeguard truth or security. Citizens must stay informed, skeptical of surface narratives, and aware that the battle for influence often takes place in the realm of perception long before it manifests in physical conflict. Wells echoed the sentiment, suggesting that awareness is a form of defense, and that resilience begins with recognizing the methods used to control or deceive populations.
The exchange between Wells and Philipp provided listeners with a sobering but clear-eyed look at the complexities of the modern geopolitical environment. From China’s strategic ambitions to the subtle manipulations of propaganda, from the fragility of critical infrastructure to the entanglements of proxy warfare, the discussion painted a picture of a world where power is increasingly exercised through indirect means. At the core of the conversation was a warning: the new battlefield is not just fought with weapons, but with information, influence, and perception. For those willing to see, the signs are visible, and the responsibility to remain vigilant rests with everyone.
