It is indeed reminiscent of all the western influencers being invited by armies, police forces or prison systems (especially in the US). They also get paid for portraying a highly idealized or fake image of these institutions. Albeit there is a difference in that these influencers know upfront what they are getting into. Wanting to vlog about e.g. harmless-looking Chinese lifestyle topics and it being made into propaganda is a bit more insidious.