'This Is Me' Video Shows Different Faces Of China

State media outlet, People’s Daily, released a new promotional video over the weekend presenting the different sides of the nation in an apparent attempt to win over the international community amid rising tensions between China and the west.

The 2.5-minute video, narrated in English, is titled “This Is Me, the People’s Republic of China” and juxtaposes images of ancient China with young people dancing, modern infrastructure, sporting heroes and the national space programme.

“This is me, ancient and profound,” the narrator says. “This is also me – young and open.”

The video also mixes a firm stance on China’s sovereignty by saying “I own a vast territory… but not an inch shall be lost”, with a softer message about peace and unity.

“I look forward to joining hands with countries all over the world, to meet the challenges and share the opportunities,” the narrator says as orchestral music swells in the background.

President Xi Jinping’s voice then comes in, saying in Chinese: “With the persistent efforts of one generation after another, we have taken China to where it is today. Today, we must press on courageously, to make tomorrow’s China a better place.”

The video concludes with the narrator declaring “I am the People’s Republic of China.”

The video quickly attracted hundreds of comments on social media, with many professing how proud they are to be Chinese; though some took issue with the decision to narrate the video in English.

“With China’s influence nowadays,” one viewer wrote, “There’s absolutely no need to use English. We have our own language and our own traditions and culture.”

The video was released as the ‘Two Sessions’ meeting of the nation’s top political bodies nears its conclusion in Beijing, and after the National People’s Congress unanimously endorsed a third five-year term of office for President Xi Jinping.

It also comes amid simmering tensions between China and the United States, with Foreign Minister Qin Gang last week warning Washington to change its “distorted” attitude towards China or face "conflict and confrontation".