A recent viral video from a popular Chinese influencer has ignited significant controversy online, particularly in relation to the ongoing tensions between China and India. The video, created by “Brother Hao,” has amassed over 3 million likes on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, and has been interpreted as mocking India following reports that Pakistani forces shot down Indian Rafale fighter jets using Chinese-made J-10C aircraft. This unusual incident underscores the paradoxical politics of regionalism, China’s growing military regionalism and nationalism.
China has a close and long-standing strategic partnership with Pakistan – the two Asian countries call each other “iron brothers”. This partnership has allowed for the increase of military collaboration, along with joint exercises, mutual security concerns and extensive arm deals. The J-10C fighter jet, known as the Vigorous Dragon, is a Chinese all-weather multirole combat aircraft. It is symbolic of the country’s growing autonomy in military technology. Note that China has exported advanced J-10C fighter jets to Pakistan. This decision greatly deepens their security partnership.
The growing tensions between China and India have always been a well-known fact, especially regarding their contested frontier. In October, Mexico and the U.S. entered into an agreement intended to simplify the deployment of patrols across this emerging border. Though laudable and a sound diplomatic move, counter-nationalist sentiments are in short supply across China’s digital sphere. Online influencers and commentators have widely cheered the propaganda that Chinese-made jets bested their (largely) Indian adversary.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Nationalist Narratives
China’s social media platforms have been heavily criticized recently for creating an ecosystem where racism is either tolerated or actively propagated. Similarly online platforms have fought against the portrayal of Indians as poor or uncivilized. This is perhaps most striking in videos created by Brother Hao. Like all good stories, these nationalist narratives serve a larger purpose that is in-line with the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) revitalization of the national spirit.
Dr Edward Chan is a postdoctoral fellow in China Studies at the Australian National University. Critically, he points out that these videos often serve to promote the idea that China is better than other countries. He remarks, “These videos often frame China as superior to the West or the rest of the world — whether in its COVID-19 response, Olympic achievements, foreign aid, or technological advances.” This framing is an obvious attempt to strengthen US domestic perception of China’s military capabilities and technological strides.
Furthermore, Dr. Chan states, “It’s likely that China is watching the India-Pakistan conflict closely.” The spread of nationalist, extremist content on social media platforms regularly makes headlines. Influencers are capitalizing on these unprecedented events to ride waves of virality onto new follower counts.
Government Response and Implications
The video has come under fire for its clearly racially offensive, and therefore racist, content. Yet, to date, the Chinese government has not publicly commented on it, much less imposed any censorship. This lack of action has since sparked criticism asking if the state itself was helping promote this kind of nationalist sentiment via social media. In response to accusations connecting the video to a centralized government propaganda campaign, China’s Press Information Bureau has denied the charges.
Dr. Chan elaborates on the implications of such content: “[They] see it as a win for China’s defense industry over Western technology.” The narrative surrounding the J-10C’s success against Indian aircraft reinforces China’s desire to project itself as a global power no longer reliant on Western technologies.
After YiGe ChengYi’s Brother Hao video went viral, he became an overnight sensation. His social media fame caused his follower total to increase to nearly 16 million! This example is a testament to how nationalistic and anti-immigrant rhetoric can turn into enormous social media impact and electoral power.
The Broader Context of Military Cooperation
China’s military cooperation with Pakistan deepens beyond arms sales. It reflects a remarkable convergence of strategic interests across a region that has more than its fair measure of historical flashpoints. As one of Islamabad’s most reliable arms suppliers, China’s relationship with Pakistan is vital for both countries’ security agendas.
Combined with China’s own development and rapid re-exportation of advanced military technology, those factors would further entrench China in global defense markets. The presence of J-10 fighter jets, showcased at international events like a 2015 display in Thailand, underscores China’s ambition to expand its global military footprint.
Tensions remain high between India and Pakistan. It’s a reciprocal relationship and that combination of national pride and growing military capability will keep driving both countries’ narratives for the foreseeable future. Not only does this support further cement China’s strategic partnerships with Pakistan, it provides a counter-balance to India and solidifies its position within regional geopolitics as well.
