Thursday, January 29, 2026

AI-Generated Video Shows Armed Chinese Robots

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The Rise of AI-Generated Content in Military Parades

As the world anticipates a major military parade in Beijing on September 3, a video has surfaced online claiming to show armed robots marching in unison as part of a rehearsal. This video, however, is not what it seems. It was created using artificial intelligence and does not depict an actual event related to the parade commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II.

The video, which appeared on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, features a group of robots marching in perfect synchronization before an audience. The content has sparked interest and excitement among viewers, with some commenting that it is "absolutely stunning" and "awesome." However, experts have determined that this footage is entirely fabricated.

Understanding the Source of the Video

A keyword search using "pubg481097," the TikTok handle watermark seen on the video, led to a higher-quality version posted on TikTok on July 10. The original video includes Chinese text in the top-left corner that states, "Sci-fi scenes are fictional and based on imagined events tens of years into the future." Additionally, the video's description contains a label reading "AI-generated," which TikTok says may be applied automatically to content it has identified as "completely or significantly edited with AI."

This suggests that the video was either created using AI tools or heavily modified with such technology. The use of AI in generating content has become increasingly common, and platforms like TikTok are working to identify and label such material to inform users.

Indicators That the Video Is AI-Generated

Several elements of the video point to its artificial nature. For instance, the Chinese text on banners in the background appears nonsensical, indicating that it was not generated through traditional means. Moreover, the crowds watching the parade seem unnaturally still, and some individuals in the audience have disproportionately long limbs, further suggesting that the video is not real.

Another clue comes from a reverse image search conducted on Baidu, which led to a similar video posted on Bilibili on July 6. This video, titled "September 3 Military Parade: A vision for the 2035 parade commemorating the 90th anniversary of Victory Day," is also labeled as AI-generated. Its simplified Chinese caption reads, "I created this video using AI, envisioning the emergence of more powerful high-tech equipment in our motherland ten years later."

The Role of Fact-Checking

Despite the video's popularity, it has been debunked by fact-checking organizations. The Taiwan Factcheck Center has previously addressed similar claims, highlighting the importance of verifying information before sharing it online. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, it is crucial for users to be vigilant and seek out reliable sources to confirm the authenticity of what they see.

Conclusion

The viral video of armed robots marching in unison serves as a reminder of the growing influence of AI in content creation. While it may appear impressive, it is essential to recognize that not all content shared online is genuine. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our ability to discern between real and artificial information. By staying informed and using fact-checking resources, we can navigate the digital landscape more effectively and responsibly.

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