This is an animation generated with artificial intelligence and broadcasted by CCTV, becoming a viral phenomenon in China due to its powerful geopolitical message.
With wuxia aesthetics, the story pits the eagle —a representation of the United States— against the Persian cat, symbolizing Iran. The scenario, the jianghu, revolves around the "essence of black iron," a clear reference to oil and the dominance of the dollar in global energy trade.
The plot mirrors the current conflict: an initial attack by the eagle, followed by the cat's response through trade blockades, referring to the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Other global players appear as animals seeking alternatives to the dominant system, reflecting the idea of de-dollarization.
The message aligns with the stance of Xi Jinping's government, criticizing Washington's influence without direct confrontation. It also references the high US military spending while promoting economic alternatives like BRICS.
The animation, with millions of views on platforms like Weibo, showcases a new propaganda strategy: using popular culture and visual narrative to question the US-led global order and position Beijing as a key player in a multipolar world.