I doubt it, since that's not at all what the paper describes. Here's a quote from the abstract:

> In contrast to prior claims, we show that the Chinese regime's strategy is to avoid arguing with skeptics of the party and the government, and to not even discuss controversial issues. We show that the goal of this massive secretive operation is instead to distract the public and change the subject, as most of the these posts involve cheerleading for China, the revolutionary history of the Communist Party, or other symbols of the regime.

Don Draper: "If you don't like what's being said, change the conversation."

It's toasted.

The method is different perhaps, which is interesting. I think that is an interesting point of discussion.

In terms of intent or morality or whatever, it's just a different method for propaganda. I don't see this as a different category for what other governments have done in the past.