China's Communist Party has intensified its rhetoric in the ongoing trade dispute with the United States, releasing a propaganda video that underlines its refusal to yield to US pressure. The video, issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry via the social media platform X, accompanied by widespread sharing across various social networks, expresses a defiant stance against what it describes as bullying tactics by the Trump administration.
The video, which appeared at least partly generated by artificial intelligence, carries a strong message that China will not negotiate or back down despite the significant tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese exports. These tariffs, initiated by former President Donald Trump, raised levies on Chinese imports to as high as 145%. In retaliation, China imposed duties reaching 125% on a range of American goods, leading to a sustained trade standoff between the world's two largest economies.
In a poetic English voice-over, the video declares, "China won’t back down, so the voices of the weak will be heard." It calls on the global community to unite against the US, metaphorically depicting the United States as "just a small stranded boat" surrounded by a world in solidarity with China. The narrator urges that "someone has to step forward, torch in hand, to shatter the fog and illuminate the path ahead."
The visual content of the video contrasts China's development with that of the US, categorising the US as a "developed country" while presenting China as a "developing" nation making impressive strides. Scenes showcase modern transit infrastructure including high-speed trains in Wuhan and pristine subway stations in Shenzhen. This imagery is juxtaposed with footage criticising New York City's subway system, highlighting issues such as water leaking from ceilings at Brooklyn’s Jefferson Street station, burst pipes at Manhattan’s 34th Street stop, and rats scurrying among the underground platforms.
The video has attracted significant attention, accumulating over 2.5 million views. However, reactions have noted its stylistic echoes of propaganda from the World War II era and found its production quality somewhat underwhelming given the advanced possibilities of modern artificial intelligence technology.
The release of this video marks the latest public move in Beijing’s campaign to rally both its domestic audience and the international community behind its position in the escalating trade conflict. The New York Post described the clip as "bombastic" and noted its attempt to encourage the world to side with China against US trade policies.
This development remains a critical element of the broader geopolitical and economic tensions between China and the United States, with significant implications for global trade and international relations.
Source: Noah Wire Services