DW News. . A Chinese state‑made AI video about a fantasy battle of eagles and cats is going viral. While surreal, the video is central to China's strategy of reframing the Iran war as another example of US‑driven instability. #dwasia

The Surreal Battle That Captured Millions

A five-minute AI-generated animation from China's state broadcaster CCTV has taken the internet by storm. In it, a haughty white eagle terrorizes Persian cats in the Golden Flow Valley, sparking a war of attrition. The allegory, set in a wuxia-inspired fantasy world, has racked up millions of views on Chinese platforms and beyond. But beneath its surreal visuals lies a carefully crafted narrative: the United States as an aggressive, declining hegemon and China as a stabilizing force.

Decoding the Allegory: White Eagle vs. Persian Cat

The animation's symbolism is thinly veiled. The white eagle represents the United States and its allies, while the Persian cats stand for Iran. The Golden Flow Valley, a chokepoint with a resource called "black iron essence," mirrors the Strait of Hormuz and oil. The eagle forces inhabitants to trade their resources for "white gold tickets," a nod to US dollar hegemony. When the Persian cat leader is assassinated, the cats retaliate, but the eagle uses expensive "anti-air golden needles" to shoot down cheap "wooden birds" — a clear reference to missile defense systems vs. drones. The plot closely tracks real events: the assassination of Iran's former supreme leader and the ensuing conflict.

China's Strategic Use of AI Propaganda

This video is not an isolated stunt. It is part of a broader push by Chinese state media to leverage AI for narrative projection. President Xi Jinping has long emphasized the need to enhance China's "soft power" and counter Western narratives. AI-generated content allows Beijing to produce engaging, easily digestible propaganda that resonates with younger audiences. According to Shi Anbin, a professor at Tsinghua University, AI "infotainment" is becoming a routine part of China's communications strategy, more effective than traditional news broadcasts in swaying global opinion.

Tapping into Wuxia and Pop Culture

The choice of wuxia — a genre of Chinese martial arts fantasy — is deliberate. The animation ends with a piece of martial arts wisdom: "The true essence of martial arts is not in wielding weapons, but in preventing violence." This frames China as a peaceful mediator. Alicja Bachulska, a China expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, notes that using AI to filter propaganda through pop culture makes official narratives "much more appealing" and "engaging" for local viewers. The video also appeals to nationalistic pride, positioning China as a wise, ancient civilization versus a brash, violent America.

Viral Impact and User-Generated Spin-Offs

The animation quickly went viral on Chinese social media, amassing nearly a million likes within hours. Users praised its creativity and clarity in explaining complex geopolitics. It also sparked a wave of user-made sequels and parodies, further amplifying its reach. An English-subtitled version shared by an X user garnered over a million views within days. This organic spread demonstrates how AI-generated content can be seeded by state media and then amplified by the public, creating a powerful feedback loop of propaganda.

Reframing the Narrative: US as Aggressor, China as Stabilizer

The video's core message aligns with Beijing's official stance since the conflict began: the US-led war is unlawful and a threat to global stability. Xinhua News Agency has asserted that Washington's aim is to create an "Iran without sovereignty," driven by hegemony rather than security. By framing the US as a reckless aggressor, China contrasts its own diplomatic approach. On domestic platforms, influencers and military accounts amplify this view, with the Chinese military's Douyin account using satellite imagery to analyze US deployments, garnering over 6 million likes. This narrative also serves to divert attention from China's own domestic issues and reinforce the idea of a rising China versus a declining US.

Beyond the Battle: Promoting BRI and De-dollarization

The animation subtly promotes China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an alternative to US-led trade systems. As resourceful merchants bypass the white eagle's trade blockade, the video suggests that BRI offers a way out of US economic dominance. This ties into China's broader push for de-dollarization and the creation of alternative financial systems. The viral success of the cat-and-eagle allegory shows how AI-generated content can encode multiple layers of messaging, from immediate geopolitical commentary to long-term strategic goals.

This fusion of AI, pop culture, and geopolitics marks a new chapter in information warfare. As AI tools become more accessible, such targeted narratives will likely become more common — not just from China, but from state actors worldwide. The challenge for global audiences will be to distinguish creative storytelling from manipulative propaganda.