Using the hashtag “People’s Liberation Army hardcore songs”, state media has launched at least three of the songs since April 20, all with video showing Beijing’s military muscle – from submarines and aircraft to tanks – on Chinese social media platforms.
But not everyone is happy with the military makeover.
02:29
Chinese nationalism surges across social media as viral video mocks downed Indian jets
Chinese nationalism surges across social media as viral video mocks downed Indian jets
While the popular songs keep their original lyrics about children at play – such as rowing a boat, observing a bird returning from the south or riding to market – the accompanying folk or pop tunes have been set to rock music by unknown social media users using AI arranging applications.
The videos have gone viral on the social media accounts of state news agency Xinhua, People’s Daily and China News Service, drawing more than 2 million views in a month for Xinhua’s Weibo account alone.
The well-known lyrics, catchy melodies and promotion of patriotism are popular with Chinese who are seeing their country in an intensifying rivalry with the United States.
“I’ve listened to this song for half of my life. It’s the first time it sounds so powerful. I feel so thrilled that China now has become a formidable power,” a user on social media Douyin commented following Xinhua’s release of Let’s Paddle Together.
The original song, from a 1955 movie, refers to children playing in rowing boats after school. However, in the new lyrics the wooden oars have been replaced by PLA Navy’s destroyers and submarines cleaving ocean waves.
