‘Shield of the Americas, or shackles?’ China mocks Trump with AI video of eagle trapping doves. Here’s what it means

China’s embassy in Washington briefly posted an AI-generated video mocking a security summit hosted by US President Donald Trump, days after the POTUS took the stage, warning about “hostile foreign influence”. The short animation appeared on Wednesday on the embassy’s X account before being removed early Friday. Produced by Xinhua News Agency, the video carried the title “Shield of the Americas, or shackles of the Americas?” It comes as the US continues to be engaged in a war against Iran in West Asia. The conflict began on Feb 28, with the US and Israel launching pre-emptive strikes under Operation Epic Fury and Operation Lion’s Roar.

The 18-second animation showed a bald eagle wearing a suit presiding over a group of white doves representing Latin American countries.

In the video, the eagle presses a red button that first triggers an atomic explosion before promising to “keep everyone safe” and showing a large red, white and blue shield as a symbol of protection.

Moments later, the shield transforms into a cage that traps the birds while the eagle says, “Relax, sometimes security comes with a little control.”

The video was posted days after the Shield of the Americas Summit was held in Florida on March 7, 2026. The meeting brought together right wing and center right leaders from 12 Latin American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago, attended the summit.

Trump used the event to propose “hard power” against security threats. “We’re working with you to do whatever we have to do. We’ll use missiles. You want us to use a missile? They’re extremely accurate,” Trump told Latin American leaders.

“‘Piu,’ right into the living room,” he said, mimicking the sound of a missile in flight. “That’s the end of that cartel person. But we’ll do whatever you need.”

Trump has repeatedly warned about China’s expanding footprint across Latin America.

In his 2025 inaugural address, he claimed China was operating the Panama Canal, a statement widely disputed by analysts.

At the time, a Hong Kong-based company controlled key port terminals near the canal. Last month, Panama’s highest court ruled the arrangement illegal, prompting criticism from Beijing.

Chinese officials described the decision as “shameful and pathetic,” accusing the United States of political pressure.