China’s People’s Liberation Army has released a new video, portraying its military as humanitarian instead of the threat U.S. officials have labeled it.
According to Military Times, China’s new short film “Here I Am” is an attempt by the Chinese government to frame its military as a “humanitarian force” for peace across the world.
“We are always here awaiting orders,” the narrator of the video says. “Regardless of perils, undaunted by dangers, we deliver hope in hard times. We extend benevolence and love across the oceans, and we uphold justice and peace.”
The video, which is roughly two minutes long, includes live footage as well as animation and crafts a message that depicts the Chinese People’s Liberation Army as an organization committed to humanitarian aid throughout the world.
“We are the dawn in distress to fulfill our solemn commitment to the people as a people’s army,” the video states. “We are the peacekeepers in chaos to fulfill our solemn commitment to the world as a force for peace. Every cloud has a silver lining. We are the Chinese People’s Liberation Army ready to join hands with you to create a brighter future together.”
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Military Times reported that China’s “Here I Am” film is reminiscent of Michael Stipe’s 1991 R.E.M. song “Shiny Happy People.” While the song was released in the form of pop music, Military Times reported that the song was influenced by the Chinese government’s propaganda that was used to tell a different story than the harsh reality of the Tiananmen Square massacre.
Released two years after the Chinese government’s retaliation against student protestors in the brutal killing of hundreds of Chinese citizens in what is remembered as the Tiananmen Square massacre, the song reflected a starkly different message of China’s government than the Tiananmen Square massacre displayed.
Contrary to the People’s Liberation Army’s latest short film about humanitarian efforts, a recent report called the 2023 Index of U.S. Military Strength, indicated that China is the “most comprehensive security challenge” facing the United States.
