U.S. media praises Chinese film 'Ne Zha,' China's consumption policy

U.S. Foreign Policy magazine published an article on Monday describing the remarkable success of the Chinese animated film "Ne Zha 2," highlighting how China uses its cultural industries to fuel domestic consumption growth, reflecting its broader economic development direction.

"Ne Zha 2" has made history as the highest-grossing film in China, surpassing previous box office records. Beyond its financial success, the film underscores a rising demand among Chinese consumers for high-quality, locally produced content. The article commented that this marks a significant shift in the entertainment landscape, with homegrown products now gaining substantial traction in a market traditionally dominated by Hollywood.

Amid the escalating U.S.-initiated tariff war, Chinese officials increasingly focus on stimulating domestic demand. The Foreign Policy article highlighted how high-quality films and games have contributed to the rise of locally produced cultural products.

It also noted the action-adventure video game "Black Myth: Wukong," developed by a Chinese studio, which became a global sensation in 2024. It said the game showcases the growing prominence of Chinese culture and the rising demand for locally made, high-quality entertainment.

The article further noted that the Chinese government is placing greater emphasis on the private sector and consumer spending. A series of new initiatives aimed at stimulating the private economy have been rolled out, with particular attention given to cultural industries, tourism, and sports.

The article also pointed out that as China's consumer market continues to show resilience and growth potential, China's consumer confidence is on the rise, and early indicators suggest that the country's efforts to stimulate consumption are starting to yield results, offering a promising outlook for the future.