Propaganda and political spectacle is the theme this week as China kicks off the annual meeting of its rubber-stamp parliament in the communist state.

Videos starring an American talking about China's "style of democracy" and a rapper dropping some rhymes about parliament are just some examples of the somewhat bizarre messaging from Beijing.

The city is on lockdown and censors have gone into overdrive to make sure the week goes smoothly.

It's no surprise China is trying to shape the message - the country is charting rough waters, facing economic challenges, a trade war with the US and scrutiny on everything from espionage to human rights.