The People's Liberation Army published a new propaganda cartoon on Sunday. Released to celebrate China's National Day, the video encourages reunification with Taiwan.
Befitting Chinese political messaging, the cartoon is not terribly subtle about its underlying message. Produced by the PLA's Eastern Theater Command (responsible for Taiwan Strait operations), the cartoon centers on two elves and the 14th century Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains painting. That painting was split in half in the 17th century, with its two parts now sitting respectively in museums in Taiwan and the Chinese city of Hangzhou. The cartoon is all about the reunification of the painting as embodied by the two elves.
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Beijing's Global Times state media outlet notes that the elves "not only fulfill their own dreams but also evoke a shared national sentiment and patriotism in the hearts of Chinese compatriots on both sides of the Straits. It also expresses the common aspiration of compatriots on both sides of the [Taiwan Strait] to become closer and reunite."
Its cartoon form and soothing music aside, the cartoon makes clear that reunification isn't dependent on the happy mysticism of flying elves. As in the screenshot below, the video shows footage of the PLA's fifth-generation J-20 air superiority fighter jet, an aircraft carrier, and various other warships. The implication is clear: the elves have guardians escorting them on their path to destiny. No outside power, Taiwanese or otherwise, can obstruct this path. There's a clear intent to link the age and separated history of the Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains to the modern-day power of the PLA. This is a play to the Chinese Communist Party narrative that it will ensure China suffers no future humiliation before outside powers.
While this video was primarily produced for a domestic audience, it underlines the almost spiritual importance that Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party place on bringing Taiwan back under mainland control. So while it's understandable that some might find this video amusing, it's also worth remembering that line from Shakespeare's Henry V: "His jest will savor but of shallow wit, when thousands weep more than did laugh at it."