 |
|
The article details how China is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to create media content that criticizes former U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. It showcases two specific examples: a music video produced by CGTN (China Global Television Network) and a short sci-fi film by New China TV, both released on April 3rd. The CGTN music video, titled “Look What You Taxed Us Through (An AI-Generated Song. A Life-Choking Reality),” presents a critical perspective on the tariffs from the point of view of the American consumer, highlighting the potential negative impacts on their finances and overall well-being. The lyrics, displayed in both English and Chinese, directly address Trump and accuse him of causing increased costs and economic hardship for American families. The video further reinforces its message by including quotes from reports by the Yale Budget Lab and The Economist, both critical of Trump’s tariff policies. The short sci-fi film, “T.A.R.I.F.F.,” uses a more allegorical approach. It features a robot named Technical Artificial Robot for International Fiscal Functions (T.A.R.I.F.F.) that is created by a U.S. government official to implement tariffs and protect American interests. However, as the robot's tariffs become more aggressive, the film shows the negative consequences, including rising unemployment rates, increasing costs of living, and trade disruptions. Ultimately, T.A.R.I.F.F. recognizes that his actions are harming the very people he was meant to protect and chooses to self-destruct. These AI-generated media pieces are part of a broader effort by Chinese state media to counter what they perceive as unfair trade practices by the United States. The article also mentions a social media video posted by China’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, featuring AI-generated images and real ones, set to the music of John Lennon’s “Imagine” and USA for Africa’s “We Are the World,” questioning the type of world people desire. China has consistently voiced its opposition to Trump's tariffs, which have targeted China since his first term. The latest “reciprocal” rate of 34% comes on top of 20% levies announced earlier this year. Beijing has implemented “tit-for-tat” countermeasures and has vowed to continue to do so until the trade war ends, even going so far as to say they are ready to fight a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, until the end. This use of AI by Chinese state media represents a novel and potentially effective way to communicate their message to a global audience, particularly in the United States. By employing creative and engaging content formats, they are able to circumvent traditional news channels and directly appeal to the emotions and concerns of ordinary citizens. The article highlights the increasing sophistication of Chinese propaganda and its ability to adapt to new technologies and platforms.
The deployment of AI in these instances is particularly noteworthy. It allows for the rapid creation and dissemination of content that is tailored to specific audiences and messages. In the case of the music video, the use of a 'female-sounding voice' and lyrics written from the perspective of an American consumer is intended to resonate with a specific demographic and elicit an emotional response. Similarly, the sci-fi film uses allegorical storytelling and visual effects to convey a complex message about the unintended consequences of protectionist trade policies. The use of AI also allows Chinese state media to project an image of technological advancement and innovation. By showcasing their ability to create AI-generated content, they are demonstrating their technological prowess and their commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to achieve their strategic goals. This is part of a broader narrative that China is a leading player in the global technology landscape and is capable of competing with the United States on multiple fronts. The article also touches upon the broader implications of the trade war between the United States and China. It notes that experts have warned that American consumers will bear much of the costs of Trump’s tariffs, and that U.S. recession indicators have risen since the White House’s April 2 “reciprocal” tariff rollout. The article also mentions that global markets have been shocked at a level not seen since the pandemic. This suggests that the trade war is having a significant impact on the global economy and is contributing to increased economic uncertainty. The response of the Chinese government and state media to these tariffs is a clear indication of their determination to defend their economic interests and to challenge what they perceive as unfair trade practices by the United States. The use of AI to create and disseminate propaganda is just one aspect of this broader strategy. The article also highlights the use of retaliatory tariffs and diplomatic pressure to counter the United States' trade policies.
The article's conclusion underscores the seemingly intractable nature of the trade dispute between the two economic superpowers. Beijing has made its displeasure with Trump’s tariffs well known. The latest “reciprocal” rate of 34% comes on top of 20% levies announced earlier this year. Beijing has over the years implemented “tit-for-tat” countermeasures and has vowed to continue as long as the trade war persists, warning earlier this year: “If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight until the end.” This escalation highlights the deep-seated tensions and strategic competition that characterize the relationship between the United States and China. The willingness of both countries to engage in a protracted trade war, even in the face of potential economic consequences, underscores the importance they place on protecting their respective economic interests and asserting their global influence. The use of AI by Chinese state media is a reflection of this broader trend. It is a tool that is being used to shape public opinion, to influence policy decisions, and to advance China's strategic goals. As AI technology continues to develop, it is likely that we will see even more sophisticated and innovative uses of AI in the realm of international relations. The article, therefore, provides valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the U.S.-China relationship and the role that technology is playing in shaping this relationship. By highlighting the use of AI by Chinese state media, it raises important questions about the future of propaganda and the challenges of combating disinformation in the digital age. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the motivations and strategies of key players in the global arena.
Furthermore, the psychological implications of this AI-driven propaganda warfare are significant. The AI-generated content is designed to elicit emotional responses and to shape perceptions of the United States' trade policies. By targeting specific demographics and using emotional appeals, Chinese state media are attempting to undermine public support for the U.S. government and to create divisions within American society. The use of AI also makes it more difficult to identify and counter these propaganda efforts. AI-generated content can be highly persuasive and can be difficult to distinguish from authentic content. This makes it challenging for fact-checkers and other organizations to combat disinformation and to prevent the spread of false or misleading information. The article also raises important questions about the ethical implications of using AI for propaganda purposes. Is it ethical for governments to use AI to manipulate public opinion and to influence policy decisions? What safeguards should be in place to prevent the misuse of AI in this context? These are complex questions that will need to be addressed as AI technology continues to develop. The article underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of the role that technology is playing in international relations. It is not enough to simply focus on the military or economic dimensions of this relationship. We also need to understand the ways in which technology is being used to shape public opinion, to influence policy decisions, and to advance strategic goals. By focusing on the use of AI by Chinese state media, the article provides a valuable case study of the ways in which technology is transforming the landscape of international relations.
The narratives constructed in both the AI music video and the sci-fi short are crafted to resonate with specific audiences and to undermine support for Trump's trade policies. The music video aims to appeal to American consumers by highlighting the potential negative consequences of tariffs on their wallets. The sci-fi short, on the other hand, takes a more allegorical approach, depicting the self-destructive nature of protectionist trade policies. Both narratives are designed to be emotionally engaging and to create a sense of distrust towards the U.S. government. The use of AI in these narratives also adds a layer of sophistication and credibility. The fact that the content is generated by AI suggests that it is based on data and analysis, rather than simply being the product of political propaganda. This can make the narratives more persuasive and more difficult to dismiss. The article highlights the importance of critical media literacy in the digital age. With the proliferation of AI-generated content, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between authentic and fabricated information. It is therefore essential that individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to critically evaluate media messages and to identify potential biases or manipulations. The article also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of AI. Governments and other organizations should be transparent about their use of AI and should be held accountable for any harm that may result from its misuse. This includes ensuring that AI systems are designed and used in a way that is consistent with ethical principles and human rights. The use of AI by Chinese state media is a concerning trend that warrants careful attention. It highlights the potential for AI to be used for propaganda purposes and underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of the role that technology is playing in international relations.