Did you watch the “wedding” of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris? Of course, the two U.S. presidential candidates didn’t get married in real life. But AI-generated videos showing them in a heartwarming wedding went viral on Chinese social media—before being removed for lacking “generated by AI” tags.
Shortly after OpenAI shocked the world with its high-quality text-to-video service Sora, a wave of AI-created fan art videos flooded Chinese video platforms. These creators didn’t have access to Sora—it’s not released to the public yet—but they uploaded impressive AI videos depicting impossible scenarios, from ancient figures enjoying burgers to cinematic enemies embracing as friends.
Most of these videos were generated using AI services developed in China, such as the Kling model from Kwai video service, Jimeng (previously Dreamina) from TikTok, Vidu in collaboration with Tsinghua University, and many more. These tools can produce everything from simple animations to complex, cinematic sequences, all based on text prompts or user-selected images.
Between January and November 2024, the number of generative AI models approved by the government grew from fewer than 50 to over 300. This rapid advancement is driven by a combination of government support, a thriving tech ecosystem, and a growing pool of AI talent. In recent years, the Chinese government has implemented policies aimed at fostering innovation and positioning China as a global leader in AI. These initiatives include increased funding for research, the establishment of AI research centers, and supportive regulations.
But AI is just one piece of the puzzle. China’s broader push towards technological self-reliance has led to significant advancements in fields like 5G, quantum computing, and supercomputing. The government has made it clear that technological innovation is essential for the country’s long-term prosperity and security.
As these homegrown AI tools gain traction, they not only entertain but also highlight China’s capability to innovate independently. The viral AI-generated videos serve as a testament to the nation’s commitment to technological advancement and its growing influence in the global tech landscape.
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New innovation drive: AI videos show China's tech self-reliance
cgtn.com
