China significantly expanded its global influence in 2025 through the export of its cultural products, marking a shift in its approach to international power dynamics. The surge in popularity of Chinese movies, video games, and toys, like the blockbuster film "Nhe Zha 2" and the video game "Black Myth: Wukong," coupled with the widespread recognition of characters like Labubu, demonstrated the nation's growing soft power, according to a report by Today, Explained.

This development occurred despite efforts by the United States, under President Donald Trump's administration, to exert economic pressure on China through tariffs and export restrictions. Don Weinland, a China business and finance editor for The Economist based in Shanghai, noted that these measures appeared to have had limited impact, as China simultaneously strengthened its economic position and cultural appeal.

The rise of Chinese soft power is intertwined with its economic strength. The ability to produce and distribute high-quality cultural products on a global scale reflects China's advanced manufacturing capabilities and its growing consumer market. This soft power, in turn, reinforces China's hard power, creating a feedback loop of influence.

The global reception of Chinese cultural exports signals a potential shift in international perceptions of China. Historically, Western culture has dominated global entertainment and media. The success of Chinese movies, games, and toys suggests a growing appetite for diverse cultural content and a willingness to embrace narratives and aesthetics from outside the Western world.

The implications of this shift are far-reaching. As Chinese cultural products gain popularity, they can shape global perceptions of China, its values, and its people. This can lead to increased understanding and cooperation, but also to potential cultural clashes and concerns about the spread of Chinese propaganda. The long-term impact of China's growing soft power will depend on how it is wielded and how it is received by the international community.