China's AI-Generated Videos Are Going Viral — And They're Painting Foreigners As Villains

Let me tell you something — when I first heard that China was producing AI-generated videos that portrayed foreigners as threats, my first reaction was not surprise. My second reaction, however, was deep concern. And as someone who watches the world from the perspective of a young Ghanaian woman who cares deeply about truth, fairness, and the power of storytelling, I felt I had to talk about this. In August 2026, reports began circulating about a wave of AI-generated videos originating from China that were going viral across social media platforms. These videos, slickly produced and eerily realistic thanks to the frightening capabilities of modern artificial intelligence, depicted foreign nationals — particularly Westerners — as dangerous, untrustworthy, or threatening to Chinese society and values. The videos spread rapidly, racking up millions of views and igniting a fierce global debate. Now, the big question everyone is asking is this: Is this nationalism or propaganda? Honestly? I think it can be both — and that is precisely what makes it so dangerous. Nationalism, at its core, is not inherently evil. Every country has a right to celebrate its identity, protect its culture, and foster pride among its citizens. I am Ghanaian, and I understand the beauty of loving where you come from. But there is a very thin, very fragile line between healthy national pride and the deliberate weaponisation of fear against people who simply look or think differently. When a government — or entities connected to one — uses artificial intelligence to mass-produce content that frames entire groups of people as enemies, that crosses the line. It stops being about love for your country and starts being about manufacturing hatred for others. And in a world that is already deeply divided, that is fuel on a raging fire. What troubles me most as an African woman is how these narratives can ripple outward. Africa has a complicated and evolving relationship with China — one built on investment, infrastructure, trade, and yes, sometimes tension and controversy. When AI-generated content begins normalising the idea that foreigners are threats, it does not stay contained within one country's borders. These ideas travel. They shape perceptions. They influence how Chinese citizens may view Africans living, working, or studying in China — a community that has historically faced discrimination and prejudice. We cannot ignore that technology is no longer neutral. Artificial intelligence is a mirror, and right now, some are pointing that mirror in very deliberate directions. So what do we do? We stay informed. We question what we watch. We support media literacy. And we refuse to let algorithms — or governments — decide who gets to be seen as human and who gets cast as the villain. The world is watching. And so am I.