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More than three months have passed since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran erupted on February 28. Over the past weekend, the US and Iran reportedly to have reached an agreement to end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. Yet substantial progress, at least to date, has yet to be achieved.

While beyond the smoke and fury in the Persian Gulf and the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz, the situation on another "front" appears to have grown increasingly intense and complex.

Since the conflict started, the White House, according to reports, has posted on social media platforms AI-generated videos, some of which pair footage of US airstrikes with popular short-video effects in an apparent effort to underscore US military dominance. The videos were widely criticized by media outlets and netizens for using AI to commodify, and even make light of, the Middle Eastern battlefield and its victims.

"[I've watched] a little bit [of the videos the White House shared]. And what would be disturbing to me is if it's perceived as a gaming kind of event," said US Army veteran Karee White in a PBS program in March. "And I don't like to see it reduced to some sort of a gaming strategy type of event, if that's been in fact what's happening…"

When virtual effects dilute the brutality of artillery fire and meme culture obscures the human cost of conflict, how has the smoke of this digital battlefield spread? In this AI-driven information war of manufactured narratives, what dazzling "tactics" have both the US and Iran deployed? And what deeper dangers lie beneath this new form of public opinion confrontation?

An 'entertainmentized' contest

"Generative AI has made it cheap and easy to produce polished propaganda at scale, …packaging war in the visual language of entertainment makes conflict propaganda more likely to spread, regardless of who made it," Renée DiResta, an associate research professor at Georgetown University whose work focuses on how influence operates in the digital age, said in a TIME article published on April 2.

DiResta's concern was vividly borne out in the information warfare that has unfolded alongside the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. As generative AI has rapidly proliferated and low-cost, highly shareable AI-generated content has become an important weapon in the battle for public opinion. Some scholars observed that the US and Iran have turned to AI-generated memes, animated re-edits and game-style mashups to wage narrative offensives and counteroffensives, rendering the war in the Middle East, in virtual space, into what increasingly resembles an "entertainmentized" contest.

Since early March, the White House has frequently posted visually striking videos on social media, many of which have drawn heavily on iconic scenes from Hollywood blockbusters and kill-focused video games.

A video the White House posted on X on March 6 with the caption "justice the American way," for instance, included clips from superhero movies, as well as clips from films Top Gun and Braveheart, with electronic tunes underneath before clipping to video of strikes on Iran. It ends with a voiceover saying, "flawless victory" - audio from the video game Mortal Kombat, reported ABC News the following day.

More startling still, in a video that went viral after being released on X by the White House on March 6, footage of a US strike on Iranian targets was followed by a scene of cartoon image "SpongeBob SquarePants," asking: "do you want to see me do it again?"

A brutal military assault was packaged as a kind of "visual spectacle" through these videos, which, blurring the line between the virtual and the real, the entertaining and the grave, has drawn widespread criticism. "Has the White House account been hacked or are you guys really that immature and depraved?" an X user wrote under this post. "This is embarrassing," wrote another.

In response, Explosive Media, an account described by the BBC News as known for generating Lego-style satire videos against the US and Israel, has posted a series of rough-edged but highly imaginative Lego animations. Some of these videos use Lego figures to dramatize scenarios in which Israeli and US leaders collude to wage war and deflect domestic political pressure, while interspersing images of soaring oil prices and burning US dollars.

In an April interview, a representative of Explosive Media told the BBC that "the Iranian government is indeed a 'customer' of his company," and ahead of that, he said "his operation had been directly commissioned for multiple projects by Iranian officials," according to a BBC story on April 12.

Also in April, YouTube shut down the Explosive Media's account, reported Al Jazeera. On June 11, it was announced on X that the account was "officially back on YouTube."

Nevertheless, the company's AI-generated videos have given Iran enormous visibility on social media. According to a research by think tank Institute for Strategic Dialogue in April, by posting and forwarding such AI satire videos, in the first 50 days of the conflict, posts from Iranian embassy and official accounts collectively gained approximately 900 million views and 22 million likes - a 30-fold increase in likes compared with the preceding 50 days. "If Iran could manufacture destructive missiles at the speed with which it produces cutting memes, US Central Command would be coming out with its hands up by now," quipped an opinion piece by The Guardian on April 15.

The Second World Conference of Classics opened in Athens, Greece on local time Tuesday, with discussions focused on issues related to classical civilizations and promoting academic exchanges and consensus-building in global classical studies, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

A gathering of over 200 scholars, diplomats and media representatives from across the globe, the two-day event was themed "Dialogue Between Ancient and Modern: Contemporary Inspiration from Classical Wisdom."  

Scholars noted that in hosting the conference's first overseas iteration following its debut in Beijing in 2024, the Athens gathering stands as a powerful embodiment of China's earnest practice of the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). It further cements the China-Greece civilizational dialogue as a model for equal exchanges and mutually beneficial progress among diverse global civilizations. 

Wednesday also marked the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing on Wednesday that three years ago, President Xi Jinping put forth the GCI, highlighting the need for civilizations to live together in harmony. Establishing the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations is an important step to implement the GCI.

Ancient wisdom

George Katrougalos, former Greek foreign minister, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the Second World Conference of Classics arrives at a moment when the international community urgently needs the methodological wisdom that classical civilizations offer. 

It is believed that classics, as a modern academic discipline, originated in Europe. It originally emerged as a discipline within the Western intellectual tradition, generally referring to the reading and study of the texts and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, per Xinhua.

Lou Lin, an associate professor of classical studies at the Renmin University of China, noted a striking proactive shift in this year's conference theme. 

After attending the event in Athens, Lou told the Global Times that unlike the Beijing session's focus on the link between classical civilization and the modern world, the Athens edition emphasizes humanity's active pursuit of ancient wisdom to tackle contemporary challenges. 

"Such a shift reflects not only the complexities of current global affairs, but also a broader, more inclusive vision for bridging ancient heritage and modern reality," Luo said. 

Bai Gang, professor of classical studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, who also attended the conference, told the Global Times that classical traditions are never relics confined to the past, but timeless spiritual assets capable of guiding and reshaping present and future human development.

Bai recalled that the conference's opening ceremony, featuring keynote speakers from Greece, China, the US, Egypt and Russia, embodies a diverse and inclusive academic perspective that breaks free from single-civilization research paradigms.

Initiative in action

Since the inaugural World Conference of Classics was held in Beijing in November 2024, related departments and institutions of China and Greece have worked closely to implement the outcomes of the first conference and build networks to promote exchanges and dialogue in classical studies, Xinhua said. 

The fruitful China-Greece civilizational collaboration extends far beyond academic conferences. The two nations have jointly launched a civilization exchange center, established a China School of Classical Civilization at Athens, carried out joint archaeological projects, and staged integrated China-Greek theatrical performances. Ongoing joint archaeological project, cultural exhibitions and academic dialogues have continuously enriched bilateral exchanges, enabling the two ancient civilizations to radiate new vitality through mutual learning, the People's Daily reported on Wednesday.

Scholars interviewed by the Global Times highlighted the inherent resonance between Chinese and Greek classical philosophies. Greek virtue ethics and Confucian benevolence, Plato's spiritual transcendence and Chinese self-governance philosophies all converge on the ultimate question of "how humans ought to live." Such inherent compatibility lays a solid foundation for the GCI's core spirit of inclusive dialogue and shared progress, they said. 

Dario Famularo, an Italian sinologist from Sichuan International Studies University in Chongqing, told the Global Times that the GCI transcends Eurocentrism and cultural relativism, reviving marginalized classical concepts of cosmopolitanism to advocate mutually understanding global interactions.  

Australian sinologist Gary Sigley echoed that the GCI provides an open, future-oriented modern framework for classical studies, guiding scholars to transcend civilizational hierarchy and focus on shared human challenges.

Wang Xianhua, dean of the School of Humanities at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, explained that the GCI represents the creative transformation of Chinese traditional wisdom. It elevates classical studies from passive textual interpretation to active exploration of contemporary solutions, urging academia to understand modern society through classical heritage.

After visiting ancient sites in Athens, including the Acropolis, Lin Zhimeng, professor of philosophy at Zhejiang University, said he could feel the GCI is no longer an abstract concept, but has taken on tangible form on this historic land.

The Philippine side on Friday claimed China's sanctions against Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his relatives are "an unfriendly act," after Beijing imposed the measures over Teodoro's repeated irresponsible remarks concerning China, per media reports. A Chinese analyst said the Philippine side was distorting the truth and shifting the blame, noting that Teodoro has repeatedly misrepresented China's rights-protection actions in the South China Sea and China's assistance to the Philippines, causing serious damage to bilateral ties. The sanctions, the analyst said, also serve as a warning to certain Philippine politicians not to further sabotage China-Philippines relations.

On Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced sanctions against Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his relatives. Teodoro repeatedly made irresponsible remarks concerning China, which undermines China's legitimate interests and sabotages China-Philippines relations, according to a statement from the ministry.

To uphold China's sovereignty, security and development interests, China has decided to prohibit Teodoro, and his spouse and child from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, and not allow organizations and individuals in China to engage in any transactions, cooperation or other activities with them, according to the statement.

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) claimed on Friday that "while the imposition of sanctions is China's sovereign prerogative, the Philippines views it as an unfriendly act that further complicates bilateral relations," according to Philippine media outlet GMA Network.

In a statement early Friday, Teodoro claimed he had been sanctioned for "speaking truth" and "I will just keep doing my duty," according to Philippine media outlet ABS-CBN News.

The claim from the Philippine side that China's sanctions are an "unfriendly act" completely distorts the truth and shifts the blame, Chen Xiangmiao, a research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Friday. 

Teodoro's irresponsible remarks — such as dismissing China's fertilizer aid as a form of "packaging and deception" — have damaged bilateral relations by thoroughly politicizing normal cooperation, Chen said, noting that ultimately, the responsibility for strained bilateral relations lies squarely with the Philippines and Teodoro's reckless grandstanding; they were the ones who showed unfriendly acts, said Chen. 

Teodoro alleged at the Shangri-La Dialogue that China had provided fertilizer and fuel to the Philippines but did not show good faith on a long-term basis, and "no matter how they sugarcoat their assistance to us, it doesn't cut the mustard." He also claimed the Philippines were under severe threat territory-wise and politically too by China.

In response to Teodoro's remarks, China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on June 2 that this Philippine defense secretary is known to vilify China. His latest rhetoric shows his complete disregard of the welfare of the Philippine people and lack of appreciation for kindness. All he cares is selfish personal gains to the point that he would perform political theatrics even when people's well-being is at stake. What he does is seriously detrimental to China-Philippines ties and trust and not at all in the interest of his own country and people. 

Chen noted that Teodoro shows no signs of reflection, maintaining this defiant posture for the past three years. Backed either by domestic factions or external, extra-regional powers, he has acted as a deliberate saboteur of China-Philippines relations, the expert stressed. 

China's measured, proportionate countermeasures also serve as a warning to certain Philippine politicians not to trifle with China, exploit the goodwill of the Chinese people, or treat bilateral relations as a political game, said Chen, noting that when politicians treat state policy as a playground for personal agendas, their lies will ultimately inflict severe damage upon their own nation.

Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory, and China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters. Any activity China carries out on and around Huangyan Dao, including scientific research, falls within the legitimate rights of a sovereign state, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a regular press conference on Friday, when asked if China could provide more information on reports claiming satellite images showed the presence of a structure on Huangyan Dao, though later imagery suggests it is no longer there.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Friday attended a plenary session of the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and delivered a speech on implementing the Global Governance Initiative and jointly working for a better future.

In his address, Han noted that momentous changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world, and global challenges and governance deficits are becoming more prominent. The China-proposed Global Governance Initiative has won positive responses and support from nearly 160 countries and international organizations, he added.

The Group of Friends of Global Governance was established at the United Nations, sending a unified message for safeguarding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, upholding genuine multilateralism and opposing unilateralism, Han said.

As the initiator of the Global Governance Initiative, China has delivered on its commitments with concrete actions to rally all parties and jointly advance the reform and improvement of the global governance system, Han noted.

As major countries and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia shoulder important responsibilities in the transformation of the global governance system, Han said.

He added that China stands ready to cooperate with Russia and all other sides to advance the implementation of the Global Governance Initiative and build an open, inclusive, equitable and just world of win-win cooperation.

Han put forward four proposals for advancing the Global Governance Initiative:

First, uphold equal cooperation and advocate a vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. It is imperative to pursue genuine multilateralism, secure equal participation, decision-making and benefit-sharing for all countries in global governance, resolutely promote the democratization of international relations and raise the representation and voice of developing nations.

Second, stay committed to international fairness and justice and preserve the status and authority of the UN. All countries should safeguard international equity based on universally applicable international laws and regulations, oppose double standards and selective enforcement of laws, and back the UN in revitalizing its authority and vitality under new circumstances so it can serve as the primary platform for countries to coordinate actions and jointly tackle common challenges.

Third, boost common development to deliver greater gains for people across the globe. With the aim of improving well-being for all, countries should fully implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to advance shared development and prosperity worldwide.

Fourth, strengthen coordinated actions to deliver more tangible outcomes. Countries, international organizations and multilateral institutions need to align development strategies and coordinate policies in a well-planned manner to create synergies in addressing global challenges and advancing shared development.

Han said this year is the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. The plan charts an inspiring blueprint for China's development over the next five years and embodies China's aspiration for win-win cooperation with all nations across the world.

China is prepared to work alongside all sides to fully implement the Global Governance Initiative, build a global governance system that is more just and equitable, and jointly create a brighter future for humanity, Han said.

On the sidelines of the forum, Han also held brief exchanges with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

In pursuit of selfish political interests, the Taiwan regional Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have gone so far as to sell out the overall interests of the Chinese nation, betray their ancestry and abandon all bottom lines. This once again exposes that "Taiwan independence" forces have completely lost their national standpoint and degenerated into out-and-out scum of the nation. They will surely be spurned by compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits and reckoned by history, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday. 

Mao made the remarks when asked to comment that on May 31, in response to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson's earlier response on Japan and the Philippines announcing the launch of so-called maritime delimitation talks, the Taiwan regional authorities' so-called "external affairs" department issued comments expressing approval of the move by Japan and the Philippines and questioning the mainland's sovereign rights in the relevant waters. 

Mao said that China has already stated its position on Japan and the Philippines' announcement of the launch of maritime delimitation talks. I would like to reiterate that the area the two countries announced they will delimit is east of China's Taiwan island. According to China's domestic law and international law including UNCLOS, China has exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in this area.

Under the UNCLOS, the delimitation of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf between states with opposite or adjacent coasts shall be effected by agreement on the basis of the principle of equity. 

Any delimitation talks involving waters east of Taiwan island must include Chinese side's participation. Japan and the Philippines' launch of so-called maritime delimitation talks while bypassing China seriously violates international law, including the UNCLOS, and the basic norms governing international relations, and seriously infringes on China's maritime rights and interests. China will never allow this, Mao said. 

Both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China. Safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is the common responsibility of all Chinese people on both sides of the Straits, said Mao. 

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announces:

At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will visit China from June 1 to 3 and hold the 11th China-UK Strategic Dialogue.

Asked about the China-Brazil relationship and arrangements and expectations for Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira's upcoming official visit to China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that China and Brazil are the largest developing countries in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, respectively, both are BRICS countries and important members of the Global South, and bilateral relations have long been at the forefront of China's relations with developing countries. 

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Brazil relations have maintained a sound momentum of development, with smooth progress in the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future and in aligning the two countries' development strategies, and fruitful results from pragmatic cooperation in various fields, demonstrating global, strategic and long-term significance of bilateral ties, Mao said.

During the visit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vieira will co-chair the fifth China-Brazil Foreign Ministerial-Level Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue, the spokesperson said.

China looks forward to further consolidating political and strategic mutual trust between the two countries, continuously advancing the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future, demonstrating the two sides' responsibility in promoting solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries, and contributing China-Brazil strength to world peace and stability, Mao said.

China's domestically developed turbofan engine F406, with a thrust rating of 600 kg, has completed its maiden flight test in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Saturday.

According to Aero Engine Corporation of China, its developer, the flight was conducted on an advanced meteorological drone in a twin-engine configuration.

The successful flight marks the first time China has achieved independent control and domestic application of a medium and small-thrust high-end turbofan engine in the general aviation power sector, the company said.

Developed by a technology subsidiary of the company, the F406 fills multiple technical gaps in China's medium and small-thrust turbofan engine capabilities.

According to the company, the engine will be used in a range of mission platforms, including high-altitude inspection drones, relay communication drones, and long-endurance high-altitude unmanned aircraft.

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Beijing on Monday.