In recent months, a notable trend has emerged where young Russian women are expressing a strong desire to marry Chinese men. This phenomenon has been highlighted through various social media platforms, where numerous videos feature these women articulating their admiration for China and their interest in forming relationships with Chinese men [fe68f148]. However, a new layer has been added to this narrative with the emergence of A.I.-manipulated videos that feature young women purportedly from Russia, which are being used on Chinese social media to promote China-Russia ties and nationalism [4059d36d].
In the last eight months, deepfakes of foreigners have surged on Chinese social media platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou. Notably, Andrea Gabor, a journalism professor at Baruch College, discovered her likeness used in videos giving relationship advice. These deepfake accounts often start with innocuous content before shifting to selling products, and other identified deepfakes include those of Peter Navarro and Nancy Pearcey [9b0a9d95]. This trend is not merely a social curiosity; it reflects deeper historical ties between China and Russia, dating back to the early communist era when China relied heavily on the Soviet Union for military and political support [fe68f148].
As the geopolitical landscape shifts, with Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, nationalistic sentiments are rising in both countries. Chinese nationalists have embraced this trend, viewing it as a means to enhance China's global image by showcasing foreign admiration [fe68f148]. The cultural exchange is seen as a continuation of a long-standing tradition where relationships with foreigners are used to bolster national pride and identity.
However, the primary aim of these deepfake videos appears to be commercial rather than purely romantic, raising questions about the motivations behind these relationships. While some may view it as a romantic endeavor, others suggest that economic factors and the search for stability in uncertain times may play a significant role in these unions [fe68f148]. Furthermore, the technology behind deepfakes has become more affordable since its inception in 2017, making it easier for individuals to create and disseminate these manipulated videos [9b0a9d95].
Chinese regulations prohibit using someone's likeness without consent, but enforcement is challenging, especially for foreigners. Gabor expresses concern over the potential for deepfakes to manipulate voters in U.S. elections, highlighting the broader implications of this technology [9b0a9d95]. As this trend continues to develop, it will be interesting to observe how it influences perceptions of cross-cultural relationships in both nations and beyond, especially in light of the manipulation involved in these digital portrayals [4059d36d].