BEIJING, Apr 11 (AP/UNB) -   China’s Communist Party, once known for rigid messaging, is increasingly using artificial intelligence and social media to shape global narratives, often targeting the United States and its leadership.

After tightly controlling the domestic internet through censorship, Beijing is now using AI-generated content to project its views abroad and counter what it calls Western bias.

In a recent example, Chinese state media released a five-minute AI-generated animation in a martial arts style depicting an allegory of a war in Iran. It shows a white eagle in royal attire representing the U.S., unleashing an evil laugh before its forces attack Persian cats symbolising Iranians, who vow to fight back after losing their leader and closing a key trade route.

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The video, rich in metaphor, is part of a series of AI animations mocking the U.S., including references to President Donald Trump’s comments on Greenland and U.S. dominance.

The trend reflects President Xi Jinping’s push to expand China’s global media influence and counter Western narratives. Similar AI-generated content has also been used by pro-Iran groups against the U.S.

Analysts say it reflects an intensifying global information war. A U.S. State Department cable warned such foreign campaigns pose a “direct threat” to national security.

Experts say AI “infotainment” is appealing to younger audiences globally. The video, released by China Central Television, went viral domestically and gained over one million views after being subtitled on X.

China has also built a vast social media “matrix” of diplomats, media and bots to amplify its messaging worldwide.