China significantly expanded its global influence in 2025 through the export of its cultural products, including movies, video games, and toys, marking a shift in its approach to international power dynamics. This surge in popularity of Chinese entertainment and consumer goods occurred despite, and perhaps partly because of, increased economic pressure from the United States.

The Economist's China business and finance editor, Don Weinland, based in Shanghai, noted that the success of Chinese cultural exports like the movie "Nhe Zha 2" and the video game "Black Myth: Wukong," along with the widespread appeal of toys like Labubu, demonstrated China's growing "soft power." This soft power, according to Weinland, complements China's existing economic strength, allowing it to exert influence beyond traditional trade and investment.

The rise of Chinese soft power comes at a time when the United States, under President Trump's second administration, attempted to contain China's economic growth through tariffs and export restrictions, particularly on semiconductor technology. However, these measures appear to have had limited impact on China's overall prosperity and its ability to project cultural influence globally.

The global appeal of Chinese cultural products reflects a growing international interest in Chinese stories and aesthetics. This trend is fueled by increased investment in the quality and production value of Chinese entertainment, as well as a strategic effort to promote Chinese culture abroad. The success of these exports has implications for the balance of power between China and the United States, suggesting that cultural influence may play an increasingly important role in international relations.