key distinction here - China isn't just trying to project their image by way of bolstering their soft power, but they are also meddling with other countries internal affairs and in this context, using our media to change their perception.

Republic of China (Taiwan) has similar policy as well, under Tsai Ing Wen they are increasingly looking towards South East Asia ie. setting up schools, funds and scholarship. Malaysians when they visit Taiwan for example the machine would say "Welcome back to (motherland)", education is heavily subsidised too for Overseas Chinese. But they stop short of meddling with local affairs ie. politics, news and media and mindfuck/influence people.

I would be looking into local political donation, uncover money laundering schemes and keep track of business transactions with China if i were the government.