How China harnesses AI microdramas to shape public opinion at home and abroad

Beijing is rapidly scaling up the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to produce short-form videos and microdramas in its publicity campaigns, aligning with directives stressing technology’s role in strengthening ideological work and guiding public opinion.In contrast to sensational tropes dominating AI content across Chinese media platforms – such as Cinderella romance, rebirth for revenge and post-apocalyptic survival – a new wave of AI-generated miniseries weaves Chinese culture, policies and initiatives, developmental achievements and revolutionary history into engaging storylines.They are mostly produced by Chinese publicity authorities and official media, usually in cooperation with private production studios and digital creators.The latest example is Tie Ji De, or The Iron Remembers, an AI microdrama created by the news media centre of the People’s Liberation Army. Its first episode was released last Thursday.