OSINT: Searching the Chinese Internet (Virtual Course)
This course will give you the tools you need to research the Chinese internet efficiently and effectively, even if you have no familiarity with the Chinese language. The course begins with a general introduction to the Chinese language and the Chinese internet. From there, we will demonstrate how to set up your desktop and mobile devices to support data collection, processing and translation. We will then walk you through the different strategies, tools and resources you can use to research or investigate Chinese-language sources, social media accounts, and companies. Throughout, attention will be given to those aspects of Chinese language and culture that you should be sensitive to as a researcher.
The course will be delivered live over five, 3.5 hour sessions. There will be separate iterations of the course for Asian, European and North American audiences. Please select the start time (SGT, CET or EST) that suits you best.
Course Outline
Getting Started
Introduction and Configuration
- Chinese internet characteristics
- Online obstacles and how to manage them
- The Chinese language
- Chinese characters and transliteration
- Keyboard setup
- Web-based translation platforms
- Mobile device setup and translation apps
- Optical character recognition (OCR)
Searching the Web in Chinese
Search Strategies
- Searching the web in Chinese: tools and strategies
- Reconciling information inconsistencies in English and Chinese
- Accurate vocabulary use
- Working with satellite imagery
- Recommended research resources
Chinese Social Media
Social Media and Smartphone Apps
- Working with Chinese names
- Finding Chinese email addresses
- Working with Chinese content on Western social media platforms
- Working with Chinese social media platforms
- Working with Chinese mobile applications
Chinese Corporate Research
Researching Chinese Companies
- Introduction to Chinese corporate research
- Mapping a company’s online footprint
- Finding a company’s registration number
- Verifying and researching ownership
- Chinese business license information
- Verifying a company’s legitimacy and reputation
- Additional resources and toolbox
Training Exercises
Exercises / Case Studies
- Applying lessons learned through practical training exercises
Course Details
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
This course is intended for anyone conducting research on China and Chinese-speaking countries. This includes analysts, journalists and business professionals looking to track political and economic developments in Asia.
HOW YOU BENEFIT
On completion of this course, you will have the ability to:
- Understand the main characteristics of the Chinese language
- Navigate the Chinese internet with greater confidence
- Find specific content in Chinese (news reports, documents, etc.)
- Find people through their web and social media profiles
- Tackle the problem of translation and transliteration
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
- A certificate of completion
- A full set of course slides / user guides in PDF
- An index of recommended tools and resources
- Six months of post-course support
COURSE FEE
EUR 1,200
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Trainees do not need prior knowledge of the Chinese language; basic knowledge of the Internet suffices.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
To participate, you will need:
- A Windows, Mac or Linux-based desktop or laptop computer
- A Google / Gmail account
- Google’s Chrome Browser
- A mobile device with the Google Translate app installed
Additional requirements will be provided on registration.
