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Sarah Cook

Sarah Cook is an independent researcher and author of the UnderReported China newsletter.

She previously served as the China research director at Freedom House, where she directed the China Media Bulletin, a monthly digest in English and Chinese providing news and analysis on media freedom developments related to China.

Cook is also the author of several Asian country reports for Freedom House’s annual publications, as well as four special reports about China: Beijing’s Global Megaphone (2020), The Battle for China’s Spirit (2017), The Politburo’s Predicament (2015), and The Long Shadow of Chinese Censorship (2013). Her comments and writings have appeared on CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Policy, and the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) @Sarah_G_Cook.

Posts by Sarah Cook

September 03, 2024

China’s Disinformation and US Elections: What to Watch for in Congressional Contests

By Sarah Cook

Beijing’s track record of targeting parliamentarians spans multiple countries, with implications for the United States.

September 18, 2023

China’s Increasingly Aggressive Tactics for Foreign Disinformation Campaigns

By Sarah Cook

Recent investigations and takedowns show more sophistication – and a greater willingness to intrude on domestic politics in target countries.

July 17, 2023

No Bears Allowed: China’s Latest Round of Economic Censorship

By Sarah Cook

When the Chinese economy sputters, the regime’s censors shift into high gear.

June 27, 2023

China’s Foreign PR Enablers

By Sarah Cook

Public relations firms based in target countries play a critical role in the Chinese government’s global propaganda system.

May 22, 2023

China’s Crackdown on Foreign Firms Is a Symptom of a Much Deeper Problem

By Sarah Cook

Investigations in the business sector are just the tip of the iceberg. Politicized prosecutions are a growing blight on Chinese society.

March 20, 2023

China Commits to Another 5 Years of Xi Jinping’s Information Policies

By Sarah Cook

The annual legislative and consultative sessions indicate that China’s leaders will not waver from their emphasis on control at home and aggressiveness abroad.

February 21, 2023

China’s Censors Could Shape the Future of AI-Generated Content

By Sarah Cook

When the Chinese regime’s information controls intersect with artificial intelligence, they can distort the global information landscape.

May 18, 2022

China’s Censors Aim to Contain Dissent During Harsh COVID-19 Lockdowns

By Sarah Cook

Top doctors have been among those silenced for urging a shift away from China's draconian pandemic control strategy.

April 16, 2022

The CCP’s Ukraine War Propaganda

By Sarah Cook

The party-state is using its extensive information control toolbox to artificially amplify its version of Russia’s invasion.

February 22, 2022

Voices From China: What the CCP Doesn’t Want You to Hear

By Sarah Cook

By jailing citizens for their speech, Beijing keeps both other Chinese and the world in the dark about the many differing opinions and perspectives within Chinese society.

November 16, 2021

China’s Content Manipulation Reaches New Frontiers

By Sarah Cook

Through a combination of industrial scale and technological clout, the CCP is increasing the reach of its influence operations.