China significantly expanded its global influence in 2025, leveraging its economic strength and burgeoning soft power to project influence, particularly in the cultural sphere. The shift occurred despite, and perhaps in response to, increased economic pressure from the United States under President Donald Trump's second administration, which included tariffs and restrictions on chip exports.

The rise of Chinese cultural exports, including blockbuster movies like "Nhe Zha 2," video games such as "Black Myth: Wukong," and the global popularity of toys like Labubu, marked a turning point. Don Weinland, a China business and finance editor for The Economist based in Shanghai, noted the increasing prominence of these cultural products.

The success of these exports reflects a broader strategy by China to exert influence beyond traditional economic and military means. Soft power, the ability to influence through culture, values, and ideas, has become a key component of China's international strategy. This approach contrasts with the hard power tactics employed by the U.S., creating a complex dynamic between the two nations.

The global embrace of Chinese cultural products raises questions about the future of international relations and the balance of power. The extent to which this cultural influence will translate into concrete political or economic advantages for China remains to be seen.