The rise of China’s soft power has been fuelled by global successes in fields ranging from gaming and films to consumer brands and technology.
Success stories range from the blockbuster video game Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by Chinese mythology, to the acclaimed sci-fi novel The Three-Body Problem, later made into a Netflix series.
This rapidly growing global footprint has prompted Japan – long regarded as a leader in fields such as gaming and animation – to launch an initiative to promote the country’s own culture.
The report also said: “Cultural phenomena such as Labubu, which gained global popularity in 2025, alongside strong recognition for brands like Huawei and TikTok, and the growing exports of electric vehicles, enhance China’s reach further.”
Zou also pointed to the recent “Chinamaxxing” trend among young Americans who are embracing Chinese wellness practices and lifestyle choices, saying the “positive implications for China’s soft power building should not be too hastily dismissed”.
Maximilianne on
look Japan, any country not named Japan would have released say Bloodbourne on PC
Energia__ on
I cannot bypass the paywall but IMAO this author is as ignorant on culture products as it could be.
How much achievements of Nacha or Black Myth come from outside of China? In reality Chinese short dramas and BL novels may have larger impact in Japan, not to mention Mihoyo.
earththejerry on
I mean this in the best possible way, but it’s actually insulting to group Labubus with Ne Zha 2 and a bunch of TikTok trends
Labubus are an actual global phenomenon and a brand around the world that people know, reference, meme, and comment about – Ne Zha made 95%+ of its haul within Mainland China. As impressive as that haul is, it has nothing close to a “cultural clout” internationally
But ofc, movies are deemed a “higher” form of an art than a bunch of plastic toys, so they gotta keep elevating it to Labubus’ level
4 Comments
The rise of China’s soft power has been fuelled by global successes in fields ranging from gaming and films to consumer brands and technology.
Success stories range from the blockbuster video game Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by Chinese mythology, to the acclaimed sci-fi novel The Three-Body Problem, later made into a Netflix series.
This rapidly growing global footprint has prompted Japan – long regarded as a leader in fields such as gaming and animation – to launch an initiative to promote the country’s own culture.
The report also said: “Cultural phenomena such as Labubu, which gained global popularity in 2025, alongside strong recognition for brands like Huawei and TikTok, and the growing exports of electric vehicles, enhance China’s reach further.”
Zou also pointed to the recent “Chinamaxxing” trend among young Americans who are embracing Chinese wellness practices and lifestyle choices, saying the “positive implications for China’s soft power building should not be too hastily dismissed”.
look Japan, any country not named Japan would have released say Bloodbourne on PC
I cannot bypass the paywall but IMAO this author is as ignorant on culture products as it could be.
How much achievements of Nacha or Black Myth come from outside of China? In reality Chinese short dramas and BL novels may have larger impact in Japan, not to mention Mihoyo.
I mean this in the best possible way, but it’s actually insulting to group Labubus with Ne Zha 2 and a bunch of TikTok trends
Labubus are an actual global phenomenon and a brand around the world that people know, reference, meme, and comment about – Ne Zha made 95%+ of its haul within Mainland China. As impressive as that haul is, it has nothing close to a “cultural clout” internationally
But ofc, movies are deemed a “higher” form of an art than a bunch of plastic toys, so they gotta keep elevating it to Labubus’ level