China’s Communist Party communications have evolved from rigid and doctrinal styles to more dynamic approaches. After establishing strict controls over domestic internet use, the government is now utilizing social media and AI to promote its viewpoints, frequently ridiculing the United States and its leadership.
In a recent five-minute animated video produced with AI, styled like traditional martial arts films, state media depicts an allegory of the conflict involving Iran. A majestic white eagle, symbolizing the US, emits a sinister chuckle before leading forces against Persian cats in dark robes representing Iranians. The cats pledge resistance following the loss of their leader and block a vital trade path.
This narrative, infused with themes of unfairness, retaliation, and insight, exemplifies a series of AI-created animations from Chinese state media in recent months. These pieces portray the US as an international aggressor, referencing events like President Donald Trump’s suggestion to acquire Greenland and his assertions of dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
The adoption of AI for such content follows years of emphasis by Chinese President Xi Jinping on enhancing the nation’s capacity to broadcast its messages worldwide, increase influence in global matters, and challenge Western portrayals that Beijing views as prejudiced or negative toward China. Pro-Iran entities have also employed polished AI-generated memes to deride the US and Trump.
This development occurs amid a growing international information conflict, where the US has committed to strengthening its responses to counter foreign narratives that oppose American interests and promote anti-US sentiments.
Recent US State Department communications have highlighted that digital campaigns by foreign state-affiliated media represent a significant risk to national security and encourage animosity toward US objectives.
Experts suggest that AI-produced ‘infotainment’ distributed through social channels is particularly adept at convincing younger global viewers to adopt Chinese perspectives, and it is increasingly standard in the country’s communication strategies. Shi Anbin, a professor and director at Tsinghua University’s Israel Epstein Centre for Global Media and Communications, noted that this method allows Chinese mainstream outlets to connect with Generation Z and social media users, helping them grasp China’s positions on world events.
The Iran conflict animation stands out as one of the most refined productions from China’s state media. Distributed by China Central Television on social platforms, it achieved widespread popularity domestically, earning acclaim from Chinese viewers for simplifying a intricate geopolitical issue. It reached English-speaking audiences when a user on X added subtitles and shared it, amassing over a million views in days.
Andrew Chubb, a senior lecturer at Lancaster University’s School of Global Affairs who researches political propaganda, observed that it barely resembles traditional propaganda, appearing more like a dramatized historical account.
This marks a departure from earlier eras when China’s messaging was uninspiring. Party publications featured repetitive, slogan-heavy addresses praising national achievements and condemning Western impacts. Students and entry-level officials often found the required ideological study materials tedious for exams on party background and principles.
As younger generations rejected formal party rhetoric, Beijing adapted. It now incorporates playful online slang to recount party history, uses rap to celebrate accomplishments, and enlists popular singers and actors for patriotic movies, relying on their fame to attract youth rather than mandates or complimentary access. Even series on anti-corruption have gained popularity through engaging stories, sharp dialogue, and strong performances.
Encouraged to create compelling and impactful content, state media are exploring unconventional formats, such as brief digital pieces incorporating AI, according to Wang Zichen, deputy secretary-general at the Beijing-based Centre for China & Globalisation think tank. He added that regardless of opinions on the style, the underlying messages connect with expanding audiences, contributing to their online success.
China has invested resources in advancing narratives for international viewers, establishing an extensive network of social media profiles managed by diplomats, official outlets, influencers, and automated accounts on platforms like X and Facebook. These are used to capitalize on moments for message dissemination.
In February, Xinhua News Agency launched an AI-generated music video satirizing the US proposal to control Greenland, with a bald eagle in uniform singing, ‘Anything I want, I’ll get it. One way or another, I’ll get it.’
In March, following Trump’s c
