China Business NOW

In the spring of 2026, as the “Guangdong Goods Global Reach” campaign launched in Foshan with a flourish of live-streamed home-appliance promotions, something profound was unfolding. 

Beyond the flashing screens and surging sales figures lay a quiet revolution: products born in the Pearl River Delta were no longer merely filling shelves—they were reshaping households, imaginations, and economies across the planet. 

From drones soaring over African savannas to smart air conditioners humming in European living rooms, from lychee-infused ice creams delighting North American taste buds to foldable smartphones defining the future of mobility, “Guangdong-made” has become a global synonym for quality, ingenuity, and emotional resonance.

Guangdong's unshakable status as a leader in China's foreign trade is evident in the numbers. In 2025, the province's total import and export volume of goods reached 9.49 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.4%, hitting a record high and maintaining its top position nationwide for 40 consecutive years. It contributed 24.1% to China's total foreign trade growth, ranking first in the country, with exports and imports accounting for 22.4% and 18.7% of the national total respectively. 

As a pilot zone for reform and opening-up, Guangdong has leveraged policies in free trade zones and comprehensive bonded areas to optimize the business environment, with bonded logistics imports and exports reaching 1.93 trillion yuan in 2025, accounting for over 20% of the total foreign trade volume for the first time.

The roots of this success stretch back to the dawn of China’s reform and opening-up, while its geographical advantage—backing onto the Nanling Mountains, facing the South China Sea, blessed with deep-water ports and proximity to Hong Kong—offers unmatched logistical grace. The establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area further amplified these advantages, weaving together policy innovation, cross-border capital flows, and world-class infrastructure into a single, dynamic ecosystem.

Yet geography and policy alone do not explain the leap from low-cost assembler to global technology leader. The true transformation lies in Guangdong’s relentless industrial upgrading. What began as labor-intensive OEM production evolved through absorption, imitation, and finally autonomous innovation.

Today, the province accounts for roughly 70 percent of the world’s consumer-grade drones led by DJI, over 40 percent of China’s industrial robots, and a commanding share of smartphones, smart wearables, and new-energy vehicles. BYD’s electric vehicles surged 145 percent in overseas sales in 2025, reaching 1.05 million units and capturing leading positions in multiple markets. Midea and Gree derive more than 40 percent of revenue from abroad; OPPO and vivo each send over 60 percent of their phones overseas; Transsion dominates emerging markets with 90 percent of sales outside China.

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, more than 530 Guangdong exhibitors—outnumbering many entire national delegations—showcased AI glasses, intelligent wearables, and next-generation robotics, proving that the province has moved decisively from “Made in Guangdong” to “Created in Guangdong.”

This shift was not painless. It demanded heavy investment in R&D, the nurturing of industrial clusters, and a cultural embrace of continuous iteration. Shenzhen, often called “China’s Silicon Valley,” exemplifies the model: a complete supply chain married to lightning-fast commercialization turns global breakthroughs into market-ready products almost overnight. Meanwhile, traditional manufacturing heartlands such as Foshan’s home appliances, Dongguan’s precision components, and Zhongshan’s lighting have reinvented themselves through intelligent factories, green technologies, and AI-driven optimization. The result is a manufacturing system that delivers not just scale and cost efficiency, but superior quality, sustainability, and intelligence—attributes that increasingly define global competitiveness.

What truly sets Guangdong goods apart, however, is their ability to carry cultural warmth across borders. The province has masterfully fused technological prowess with the deep heritage of Lingnan culture. Maoming’s lychees, marketed as the “Fruit of Oriental Love,” travel the world with stories of romance and prosperity. Shunde’s potted vegetables and Chen Cun’s kumquats arrive with cards recounting their auspicious meanings. Poon Yuen’s wife cakes are reformulated for overseas palates yet retain their traditional soul. These products evoke nostalgia for overseas Chinese communities and invite newcomers to share in centuries-old rituals of family and fortune.

This cultural bridge is strengthened immeasurably by Guangdong’s unique relationship with the global Chinese emigrants. Millions of overseas Chinese trace their roots to the province; they serve as natural ambassadors, cultural translators, and trusted distributors. From Southeast Asian night markets to North American Chinatowns, Guangdong goods arrive as familiar treasures and extensions of home. The “Global Red Envelope” campaign of 2026 cleverly harnessed this emotional affinity, transforming the traditional “hongbao” into a symbol of Guangdong’s goodwill toward the world: a red packet of prosperity delivered through both products and stories.

As Guangdong goods continue their journey outward, they carry more than hardware and software. They bear the imprint of a people who have learned to blend ancient wisdom with cutting-edge ambition, openness with resilience, and profit with purpose. In doing so, they remind the world that true globalization is a shared pursuit of better lives instead of a zero-sum game of extraction.

Five years ago, being cool was perhaps spending half of one’s monthly paycheck on a designer handbag just to “fit in,” while today,  “showing off” a highly sought-after concert ticket is more likely to get you the most likes on your social media page.

As the calendar turned to the year of 2026, the phrase “Love Yourself First” has exploded across China’s social media. From TikTok-style short videos to WeChat Moments, young people are sharing how they’re ditching old spending habits—like chasing luxury logos or hoarding sale items—to prioritize what actually makes them happy.

China’s Generation Z is now turning inward, fueling a multibillion-yuan “self-pleasing” consumption boom that’s as much about emotional survival as it is about spending.

Far from being a passing trend, this viral slogan signals a profound shift in the consumption philosophy of China’s Gen-Z and young millennials, a group that makes up nearly 400 million people and drives over 11 trillion yuan in annual spending, according to the 7th National Population Census.

To understand the hype, forget the misconception that “Love Yourself First” is about selfish overspending. For China’s youth, it’s a rejection of the “show-off consumption” that defined previous decades. Instead, “Love Yourself First” translates to a few key spending shifts.

Psychologically, this surge stems from a blend of pragmatism and self-compassion. Amid economic uncertainties and a competitive job market, young people are redefining success as an evolution from the “Lipstick Effect”—once a coping mechanism for economic downturns, now a proactive pursuit of “self-reward.” 

Liu Haihua, a Peking University researcher attributes this to “self-compassion,” where consumption becomes a tool for immediate happiness rather than deferred gratification. Similarly, the viral phrase “Love Yourself First” notes that 56.3% of young respondents prioritize “happy consumption,” up 16.2% from the previous year, with activities like queuing for Labubu toys or donning Hanfu in historic sites providing emotional outlets and social bonds.

Economically, its’s a much-needed injection of vitality into the retail sector. Young consumers are now willing to splurge on experiences that feed their souls, not just their wardrobes. Data from 2024 shows 176 million people attended live performances in China, with Gen-Z making up the majority of the audience—and box office revenue hit 51.8 billion yuan in 2025. 

And there’s more: Blind boxes and “guzi” merchandise, projected to hit 300 billion yuan by 2029, spawn jobs in design, e-commerce, and cultural tourism. “Guzi economy” (products for anime, games, and movies) surged to 168.9 billion yuan in 2024. Companies like Pop Mart, the maker of viral collectibles such as Labubu and Molly, have seen their stock more than double in 2025, with market caps exceeding HKD257.8 billion as of yesterday.

Emotional consumption drives “new supply” that creates “fresh demand,” aligning with China’s policy push for service-sector growth, economists noted.

Socially, however, the impacts are more nuanced. On the positive side, this consumption fosters community and self-expression. Wearing Hanfu or collecting anime badges isn’t solitary—it’s a “social currency” that builds tribes of like-minded individuals. It empowers a generation to prioritize mental health, challenging the traditional Chinese ethos of endurance and sacrifice.

Yet no trend is perfect. Some young people have fallen into “emotional overspending”—like buying dozens of blind boxes or stretching budgets for concerts. But these cases are the exception, not the rule. For most Gen-Z, “Love Yourself First” is about balance: they’ll haggle over 5 yuan in delivery fees but splurge on a yoga class that improves their mental health; they’ll skip luxury meals but save for a family trip.

This balance is what makes the trend so powerful. It’s a rejection of both the excesses of consumerism and the guilt of “not spending enough.” Instead, it’s a quiet revolution: young people are taking back control of their wallets—and their lives.

This duality extends to big-ticket items. Data from iiMedia Research underscores the scale: China’s emotional economy hit 2.3 trillion yuan in 2024 and is projected to exceed 4.5 trillion yuan by 2029.

As 2026 unfolds, “Love Yourself First” becomes a sign of a more mature, confident generation, and it tells a core message to the world: consumption should serve people, not the other way around. China’s youth no longer need to define themselves through what they buy; instead, they define their purchases through who they are.

This shift is good for the economy, too: it’s driving innovation in experiences, sustainability, and “guochao,” creating new growth engines for sectors like culture and tourism. And in a world where consumerism often pressures us to “have more,” choosing to “be more” is a trend worth celebrating.

By Stephanie LI丨SFC, 21st Century Business Herald 

As the calendar flipped to 2026, Guangdong Province kicked off the year with a resounding “grand opening” in its cultural and tourism sector.

Preliminary estimates from the Guangdong Department of Culture and Tourism reveal that during the three-day New Year’s holiday, the province welcomed 17.875 million visitors, marking a 34.8% year-on-year daily average increase. Tourism revenue soared to 9.98 billion yuan, up 39.8% on average per day, while 4A-level and above scenic spots attracted 5.56 million tourists, growing 15.3%.

These figures not only paint a picture of bustling crowds and vibrant festivities but also underscore Guangdong’s underlying economic strength and its strategic positioning for the “15th Five-Year Plan” era.

This surge in tourism activity is no mere seasonal blip but the reflection of a meticulously orchestrated blend of cultural offerings that cater to diverse tastes. From high-profile art exhibitions to traditional opera performances and international concerts, Guangdong transformed into a cultural powerhouse over the holiday. At the Guangdong Museum of Art, the “So Long, So Rich: Huang Yongyu’s New Works Exhibition” drew throngs of visitors, with interactive sessions allowing audiences to engage creatively with the artist’s whimsical style.

The international flair added another layer of allure. Renowned orchestras from Vienna, Italy, and Berlin graced stages in the Greater Bay Area, infusing global melodies with local elements like “Butterfly Lovers.” Choral groups innovated by reinterpreting pop hits with interactive twists, appealing to younger demographics. Venues like the Guangzhou Opera House and Xinghai Concert Hall reported sold-out shows, with the latter’s “Masters Gathering” series featuring cross-border collaborations that attracted nearly 4,000 attendees, reinforcing the Bay Area’s status as a magnet for high-end cultural experiences.

Digitally, Guangdong embraced innovation to extend its reach. The Guangdong Provincial Museum hosted online salons delving into ancient texts, while the Guangdong Cultural Center launched an AI-enhanced short video contest under the “Cultural Promotion Officer” initiative. These “cloud-based” activities, part of the broader “Guangdong New Year: Create the Future” digital campaign, engaged over 23,000 visitors in interactive experiences like VR tours and non-heritage workshops. 

Beyond the festivities, this New Year’s momentum signals deeper economic implications. Guangdong’s tourism triumph—nearly 10 billion yuan in just three days—mirrors its robust fundamentals.

In 2025, the province’s industrial value added grew 3.2% in the first 11 months, with high-tech sectors like drones and robots surging. Guangdong boasts nine trillion-yuan industry clusters, leading nationally in AI, digital economy, and new energy vehicles. Its innovation prowess is evident in the “Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou” cluster ranking first globally in innovation indices.

Transportation metrics further affirm this vitality: airports handled over 180 million passengers in 2025, and Guangzhou’s metro set a national daily ridership record at 14 million. Emerging projects, like the world’s first self-navigating aquaculture platform “Bay Area Lingding” and a robot climbing challenge at Guangzhou Tower, showcase AI integration in real-world applications, aligning with the “15th Five-Year Plan’s” emphasis on high-quality development and technological self-reliance.

Yet, challenges persist. Global uncertainties and the transition from old to new growth drivers demand vigilance. Guangdong must continue upgrading traditional industries, nurturing emerging ones, and enhancing sci-tech innovation through the Greater Bay Area’s centers.

In essence, Guangdong’s New Year “heatwave” of cultural consumption is more than a holiday high—it’s a testament to its economic resilience, innovative spirit, and people-centric growth model. As the province charges into the “15th Five-Year Plan,” this early win sets a promising tone, proving that cultural vibrancy can fuel sustainable prosperity. With strategic investments in tourism, tech, and talent, Guangdong is poised to lead China’s high-quality development narrative.

Hello! Welcome to this edition of CBN Perspective. I’m Stephanie Li.

As Marvel superheroes stumble and Disney princesses falter, a rabbit cop and a fox con artist are rewriting the rules of Hollywood success in China in late 2025.

The return of the favorite duo Nick and Judy knocked Avengers off its feat, as “Zootopia 2” roars back at the Chinese box office, breaking multiple records nine years after the original franchise charmed global audiences.

The Disney sequel opened to impressive numbers. The animation premiered in China on November 26, day-and-date with North America, and immediately set a new box-office benchmark. 

According to movie data platform Beacon Pro, the film grossed CNY227 million (USD32 million) on its opening day, becoming the highest-earning imported animated film for a single day in China's box-office history. 

Industry projections for the film's final China run are now sky-high. Maoyan forecasts a final total of approximately CNY4.25 billion for "Zootopia 2." Should it reach that level, it could put the film on par with "Avengers: Endgame" and position it to challenge the title of highest-grossing imported film ever in China.  

The Oscar-winning core team spent nine years crafting the new film, which involved a 700-member production crew, 80 new settings, 76 animal species, up to 140 variations, and crowd scenes featuring as many as 50,000 characters.

The sequel picks up right where the original left off. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde reunite as a trusted duo, guiding audiences back into the vibrant metropolis of “Zootopia” for a fresh adventure. Fan-favorite characters such as Flash the Sloth, Mr. Big and his daughter Fru Fru, Gazelle, and Clawhauser return, while a new character – Gary De'Snake – adds an intriguing twist to the story.

While its Douban rating is slightly lower than the original’s 9.3/10, the sequel still holds a strong 8.5, showing solid audience support. After watching the film, many viewers praised its fast pace, detailed animation, and the chemistry between Judy and Nick.

The popularity of “Zootopia 2” in China extends beyond theaters. As Judy and Nick now become two of China’s most in-demand IP characters once again, over 60 brands, including Luckin Coffee, Miniso, Pop Mart, and SAIC Volkswagen, released “Zootopia 2-themed” merchandise. These collaborations sparked a wave of fan-driven spending both online and offline.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Disneyland—the world’s first and only park with a full Zootopia-themed land—is enhancing the sequel’s momentum by updating more than 200 details inside its popular attraction “Zootopia: Hot Pursuit.”

Now let’s dig deeper into why “Zootopia 2” achieves such extraordinary feats in the Chinese market.

First, nostalgia laid the groundwork. The 2016 original “Zootopia" became a cultural icon in China with engaging plot, beloved characters, and cultural nuances. The sequel capitalizes on this emotional connection, reviving the whimsical Zootopia universe and familiar faces to evoke cherished childhood memories, turning long-time fans into eager patrons.

Disney’s localized marketing is then a masterstroke. Coinciding with Shanghai Disney’s ninth anniversary and its milestone of 100 million cumulative visitors, the film creates synergy between theatrical and experiential entertainment. Not to mention the new character, Gary De’Snake, which coincides with the Chinese Year of the Snake.

Voice casting reveals similar thinking. Disney brought back Ji Guanlin and Chang Chen as Judy and Nick, signaling that continuity and emotional connection matter more than technical perfection.

The market environment further fueled its success. China’s demand for high-quality animation far outstrips supply. Domestic hits are scarce, and recent Hollywood animations underperformed. The “Super Mario Bros” movie grossed just CNY171 million in 2023, while “Inside Out 2” earned CNY344 million in 2024. “Zootopia 2,” with its proven IP and universal appeal, filled this gap, becoming the top choice for diverse audiences.

Finally, state-of-the-art technology delivers a visual spectacle. Judy’s fur rendering is 40% more efficient, with realistic translucency in rain; Gary’s scales achieve “microscopic realism,” showing wetness and sand adhesion. Advanced techniques like global illumination and AI-powered virtual production create immersive scenes—color-shifting underwater coral reefs, physics-driven desert sand, and “flying cities” formed by migrating birds—enhancing the film’s allure.

The triumph of “Zootopia 2” lies in its ability to resonate deeply. By blending nostalgia, meaningful content, local adaptation, market timing, and technical innovation, it proves animation’s power to entertain and unite. For Chinese audiences, it’s a return to a beloved world, and a testament to what happens when a global IP truly understands its audience.

"Host a great event, revitalize a city" is more than just a slogan. The 15th National Games has reframed it as "Host a great event, activate a circle" — the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) cultural, tourism and consumption circle.

1.46 billion views of National Games-related videos, 61.9 million  content exposures of Cantonese cuisine, 10.48 million searches for travel guides... In the first week since the opening of the games, the "event economy" effect in the GBA has already been fully unleashed.

The concentrated outbreak of online popularity is continuously transforming into tangible transaction volume. Data from Douyin shows that since November 1, Gross Merchandise Volume in Guangzhou and Shenzhen have both risen by over 130% year-on-year.

Meituan Travel data also shows flight bookings to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai rose 26% year-on-year, while Qunar reported venue-area hotel surges, such as a 125% jump for hotels near Shenzhen’s Longgang District, home to the Universiade Center.

The games gives "sports+" real substance, integrating intangible cultural heritage, local cuisine, and "guochao" (China Chic) IPs, creating event-culture-commerce synergy. This fueled 2,800 licensed products selling out instantly, generating 680 million yuan.

Star athletes further amplified regional demand: national swimming icons Sun Yang and Pan Zhanle’s showdown in Shenzhen lifted Longgang’s hotel popularity 24% month-on-month, while Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha’s table tennis matches in Macao drove a 52% year-on-year surge in the city’s hotel bookings.

Leveraging on the games’ rising popularity, ticket stubs have also transformed into a city-wide benefits package, rather than one-time passes. Spectators can use stubs for free subway rides, free and discounted tickets at over 100 tourist attractions across the region, 60% off at Guangzhou Tower, among other catering and shopping discounts, extending the consumption journey of 5 million visitors across 24-hour city life.

But what's truly impressive is GBA's cross-border connectivity that makes the one-hour economic circle possible. For the first time in National Games history, events are held in Hong Kong and Macao, and it’s also the first time three regions’ consumption policies are bundled. The seamless flow of people, vehicles, and payments makes cross-city event attendance as common as cross-district commuting. The data — over 18 million tourists in Guangzhou and Shenzhen in seven days, and hotel bookings surging by up to 125% — is the best proof of the GBA’s coordinated operation.

The 15th National Games has proven more than a sports spectacle—it’s a catalyst for the GBA’s integrated development. What began with reimagined ticket stubs and "sports+" innovation has grown into a model of cross-border collaboration: seamless travel, bundled benefits, and surging consumption that bridges cities and cultures.

As the GBA builds on this momentum, the Games’ legacy will lie in turning temporary excitement into lasting habits—making cross-city experiences, cultural exchanges, and shared economic opportunities a daily part of life for millions.

From the simultaneous torch relay across four cities to the cross-border layout of events, from the extensive selection of torchbearers to the diverse formation of volunteer teams, "National Games for All" has become a tangible, perceptible, and accessible real-life experience for GBA residents.

Cross-border integration and convergence have elevated the value of the National Games, transcending sports beyond itself. The 15th National Games is drawing to a successful close, but the GBA’s story is far from over. It is a new starting point for the GBA’s development narrative, and also a fresh chapter in China’s sports journey.

The 15th National Games, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, has garnered widespread attention not only for its sports events but also for a surprising cultural phenomenon: the playful public debate surrounding its official mascots, “Xiyangyang” and “Lerongrong.”

Designed as Chinese white dolphin, a Grade 1 National Key Protected Species, with their names symbolizing joy, harmony, and unity, the pair has sparked a viral online discourse where netizens affectionately dub them "Greater Bay Chickens"—a lighthearted misinterpretation rooted in their round silhouettes and pink-and-white color scheme, which evoke Cantonese culinary staples soft-boiled chicken and soy sauce chicken.

In an interview with China Daily, Liu Pingyun, also the creative mind behind the Beijing Winter Olympics’ “Bing Dwen Dwen,” said the designing team was really worried about ending up with a mascot that people would link to food. So we went with Chinese white dolphins—thinking, surely dolphins wouldn’t get mistaken for something edible?”

Guess what? They’ve simply underestimated the imagination and humor of Cantonese people. When statues of "Xiyangyang" and "Lerongrong" popped up on Guangzhou's streets to hype up the National Games, locals were quick to joke: "It has a chicken's tail, wings, beak, and comb, so why not a chicken?”

This unexpected meme has transcended mere entertainment, becoming a window into how regional cultural elements can intersect with event economics to drive widespread engagement. What initially began as a casual online joke has evolved into a cultural touchpoint, bridging the gap between a national sports event and everyday public experience.

Despite the fact that the "comb" actually features the three symbolic colors—red, purple and green, which represent Guangzhou’s kapok flower, Hong Kong’s bauhinia, and Macao’s lotus, let's be real—the internet only believes what it wants to believe. Well, who can blame them? After all, Cantonese are all about food!

The design also incorporates scientific accuracy: the pink-hued “Lerongrong” mirrors the natural color change of Chinese white dolphins when active, while the white “Xiyangyang” represents the species’ resting state, adding a layer of educational value to the cultural symbol.

Beneath the humorous public reaction lies a meticulously crafted design that embodies the unity and uniqueness of the Greater Bay Area. This deliberate choice reflects the games’ mission to celebrate regional integration while showcasing distinct local identities.

The cultural histories of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao each possess unique characteristics. Hong Kong and Macao showcase a vibrant fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, according to the lead designer.

Despite these distinctions, the three regions share common foundations such as language, the appreciation of Chinese culture and a unique maritime heritage from their locations along the Maritime Silk Road. While preserving their distinctiveness, the regions demonstrate a marvelous integration, embodying the cultural essence of the GBA, Liu Pingyun said.

Originally from Jiangxi province, Liu relocated to Guangzhou in 2000 to study for his master's degree, and then to Macao in 2018 to pursue a doctorate. Subsequently working at the school of visual arts design at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, where he now serves as the dean, he has spearheaded numerous design projects, including the creation of the widely acclaimed Beijing Winter Olympics mascot “Bing Dwen Dwen.”

Now as the popularity of the "Greater Bay Chickens" continues to rise, with related online topics racking up over 500 million views and search volume surging by 300%—poised to become the most explosive cultural and sports IP in the Greater Bay Area this year, they have also translated into substantial economic impact, particularly for GBA manufacturing and cultural industries.

Official data revealed that the event has attracted 33 licensed manufacturers and 44 retailers from across the country. As of Wednesday, a total of over 2,800 licensed products spanning 20 categories, ranging from plush toys and blind boxes to cultural souvenirs, have been approved, setting a new record in terms of both quantity and variety compared to previous editions. The total market value of launched licensed products has exceeded 680 million yuan.

Dongguan, known as China’s "toy capital," has emerged as a key production hub: factories in Liaobu and Chashan towns have developed over 1,500 types of authorized products, leveraging the city’s industrial expertise to meet soaring demand.

This collaboration between event organizers and local manufacturers has not only boosted short-term sales but also strengthened the region’s reputation as a leader in cultural product development. It demonstrates how a single cultural symbol can activate a full industrial chain, from design to production and market distribution.

Beyond commercial success, the mascots serve as a catalyst for promoting intangible cultural heritage and regional traditions. The games have integrated local cultural elements into event experiences, such as wooden clogs from Dongguan’s Shilong town—given as gifts to athletes to symbolize "ascension"—and handcrafted drums from Xinchang. Plans to incorporate regional delicacies like goose rice noodles further highlight the games’ role as a platform for showcasing Lingnan culture.

By linking a national sports event to grassroots cultural practices, the mascots have fostered a deeper sense of cultural pride and accessibility. They allow audiences, both local and national, to connect with regional traditions through a familiar and beloved symbol.

Unlike rigid promotional symbols, the adorable mascots evolved into a shared cultural reference, bridging the gap between formal sports events and everyday life.

Either a happy coincident or a meticulous plan, the “dolphin-or-chicken” hype serves as another model of successful event economics that is not merely about infrastructure investment but about creating cultural touchpoints that resonate with diverse audiences—whether through humor, nostalgia, or emotional connection.

As digital platforms continue to reshape audience engagement, the ability to blend cultural authenticity with online trends will be key to unlocking the full economic potential of future large-scale events.

Hello! Welcome to this edition of CBN Perspective. I’m Stephanie Li.

For decades, public universities have dominated China's higher education system. But recently, a new crop of elite, heavily funded research universities in China is shaking up the country’s higher-education landscape, attracting top students with admissions standards that now rival or exceed those of many of the nation’s most prestigious legacy institutions.

As results from the 2025 Gaokao, China’s national college-entrance examination, roll in, a cohort of recently established universities including Westlake University, Fuyao University of Science and Technology(FYUST), and Ningbo Eastern Institute of Technology(EIT) posted minimum cutoff scores that surpassed those of traditional top-tier schools.

This new wave of research-focused private universities is challenging the status quo, bringing innovation that aligns with China’s key scientific research goals. Their unique approach to running schools not only attracts top talent but also redefines the potential of Chinese higher education.

These schools are part of a new form of philanthropic endeavor among Chinese entrepreneurs that is focused on promoting China’s national strategy of “scientific self-reliance” through education. 

Now why have these institutions suddenly gained close attention from parents and high school graduates as strong rival of top public universities such as Tsinghua and Peking universities?

At the core of their impact is a breakthrough in governance—one that addresses the bureaucratic inefficiencies long plaguing public institutions. Unlike traditional private colleges—long dismissed as "profit-focused alternatives"—these new schools use a board-of-trustees model pioneered by Westlake University.

The board, made up of donors, academics, and public figures, serves as the top decision-making body: it oversees budgets and appoints leaders, giving the institutions greater autonomy to act quickly on societal and industrial needs.

Public universities rarely get this kind of freedom to cut through red tape and focus on emerging scientific research fields. Their disciplinary focus also ties education closely to national scientific research strategies—a sharp contrast to traditional universities, which tend to cover too many areas.

China has approved the establishment of several similar universities in key economic hubs in recent years, includingWestlake University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, which concentrates solely on science, engineering, and life sciences; Eastern Institute of Technology, founded in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, by semiconductor magnate Yu Renrong, which zeroes in AI, integrated circuits, intelligent manufacturing and mathematics, and Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology and Greater Bay University in Dongguan, that leverage their proximity to Huawei to strengthen programs in communications and robotics.

Wang Shuguo, inaugural president of FYUST and a veteran of prestigous public institutions, notes that private schools "are as dynamic as private enterprises, with stricter accountability to student demands." This flexibility let FYUST launch majors in intelligent manufacturing and new materials—directly matching China’s advanced manufacturing objectives.

FYUST, initiated by glass tycoon Cao Dewang and the Heren Charitable Foundation that donated 10 billion yuan ($1.38 billion) to launch the school, not only touts global faculty and cutting-edge laboratories, but also generous financial aid, charging just 5,460 yuan (US$762) in annual tuition fees, while EIT’s inaugural students will receive full scholarships valued at 96,000 yuan.

At EIT’s recent open day, assistant professor Huang Yuanlong said that undergraduate students could join top Chinese research teams as soon as they enroll. “The batteries used in future electric vehicles may come from our solid-state battery lab,” he said.

By aligning courses with growing industries like AI and integrated circuits, these universities build talent pipelines for China’s scientific research frontlines. Their "small but elite" talent development model is equally transformative, blending education, research, and industry.

Westlake University enrolls fewer than 100 undergraduates annually, keeping its student-to-faculty ratio below 10:1, far lower than the 15:1 average at top public universities.

FYUST goes even further: its ratio hovers around 5:1, and it offers an 8-year bachelor-master-doctor track. This mirrors global elite practices, nurturing talent for long-term scientific research.

This targeted approach also avoids wasting resources, letting schools dive deep into critical areas. FYUST, for example, has already partnered with Haier and FAW Group to build joint labs, turning classroom knowledge into industrial innovation.

People’s Daily reported in March that the domestic semiconductor industry faces a talent shortfall of 300,000 people. Data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security indicates a gap of over 5 million AI professionals, with a supply-to-demand ratio of just 1:10.

Crucially, these universities act as "catfish" to spur reform in public institutions. Still, concerns linger. Many traditional private universities still struggle to fill enrollment quotas.

The founders’ willingness and capacity for sustained investment would be crucial to the universities’ future, industry experts noted. There’s still a long way to go for the investors. Today, as China aims to become a global technology power, these research-oriented private universities are more than just additions to the system—they’re catalysts for reshaping it.

The rise of private universities comes as China’s higher education sector faces demographic headwinds. This year’s national college entrance exam had 13.35 million registrants, down from a record 13.42 million last year and the first decline in nearly eight years.

But only 9.54 million births were recorded last year, pointing to empty lecture theaters down the track. This year, private colleges in Guangdong province left thousands of seats empty, while Yunnan province had to lower admission cutoffs by 30-40 points. High tuition fees and lingering perceptions of "inferiority" hold them back.

Against that backdrop, the rise of institutions like FYUST and EIT is more than just a personal experiment by the tycoons, because its offers a revealing case study of China’s higher education reform.

The success of these “catfish” proves a mindset shift can drive change, and people need to stop seeing private universities as profit centers and start viewing them as public service providers. By combining flexible governance with a focus on key scientific research, they may just bridge the gap between academia and industry, nurture future talent, and push China’s higher education to be more innovative and relevant.

Hello! Welcome to this edition of CBN Perspective. I’m Stephanie Li. Today, we’re shining a light on an event that’s been the backbone of China’s foreign trade for nearly seven decades: the 138th China Import and Export Fair, better known as the Canton Fair.

Let’s kick things off with a staggering statistic: This year, over 207,000 buyers from 217 global markets arrived in Guangzhou—a “millennium-old commercial hub”—to take part. 

Since 1957, the Canton Fair has never missed a beat, even through global disruptions. But what keeps it relevant after 69 years? To answer that, we first need to tap into Guangdong’s millennium-long legacy of cross-border commerce.

Rewind to ancient times: Guangdong was the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, with Xuwen Port (dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties) as one of China’s earliest official gateways for global trade. By the Tang and Song dynasties, it housed the Shibo Si （市舶司）—the Imperial Maritime Trade Supervisorate, China’s first formal system for managing foreign commerce. Later, in the Qing Dynasty, Guangzhou’s “Thirteen Hongs” became the epicenter of Sino-Western trade. Openness is deeply woven into Guangdong’s DNA.

Fast forward to 1957: The first Canton Fair opened to bypass Western economic sanctions against China. Back then, it focused on agricultural goods and everyday staples. Today, it’s an epicenter for high-tech, smart, and green innovations. This year, over 32,000 enterprises exhibited—including, for the first time, more than 10,000 high-caliber firms labeled “high-tech” or “specialized & innovative.”

So, what’s the Canton Fair’s secret to staying vibrant? Let’s talk innovation. This year, it launched its first-ever dedicated “Smart Medical Zone,” showcasing medical robots and AI-powered diagnostic tools. It also introduced “modular booth construction”—think of it as “trade-show Lego”—cutting costs for businesses and slashing carbon footprints.

As for the exhibits, over 1 million new products are on display, from AI+AR glasses that translate 89 languages in real time to bionic crawler robots that clean skyscrapers. More than 60% of these new items leverage cutting-edge technology.

But the fair isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about forging real connections. Its global network keeps expanding: This year, it added 18 new partners (like Brazil’s Federation of Foreign Trade Chambers), bringing the total to 227 across 110 countries. Even amid U.S. tariff shifts, American buyers—including retail giants like Target—still rely on the fair to stock their shelves.

And let’s not overlook the small touches that make a big difference. This year, the fair added on-site tax refunds for overseas buyers, mobile “ASK ME” foreign-language help desks, and even Bluetooth+Beidou+5G navigation to find booths in a flash. Self-service kiosks can help you get a visitor badge in just 30 seconds. There’s even a “Canton Fair Music & Food Festival” to share Cantonese delicacies and folk art—because doing business should feel like making friends.

At the 137th Canton Fair earlier this year, "intelligence" emerged as a standout feature, with service robots stealing the spotlight at one point. By showcasing a diverse range of products, from embodied robots to educational and entertainment robots, the fair presented a concentrated display of China’s latest developments in service robots and the status of its upstream and downstream industrial chains. The fair also offered a glimpse into the profound transformation underway in Guangdong’s foreign trade.

Throughout its changes over the millennia, especially in the new era, the underlying logic of Guangdong has remained consistent, with greater emphasis on innovation and openness.

From ceramics to OEM (original equipment manufacturing) products, and then to high-tech products; from the original "new trio" to the current new "new trio"—the evolution of Guangdong’s export products maps out a clear path of industrial upgrading. It has gradually transformed from a "contract manufacturer" passively accepting orders into a "rule-setter" that proactively participates in and even leads industry development.

A thousand years ago, merchant ships docked at Fanfang, the foreign quarter in ancient Guangzhou, to complete tangible transactions; a thousand years later, global merchants gather at the Pazhou Exhibition Center, seeking the latest products and reliable partners at the Canton Fair.

From "selling to the world" to "buying from the world," and further to "linking with the world," the core of Guangdong’s foreign trade story has always been about doing business, making friends, and pursuing development. Guangdong has walked this path for a thousand years and will continue to move forward firmly, as a bridge between China’s past and the world’s future.

Hello! Welcome to this edition of CBN Perspective. I’m Stephanie Li.

Not long ago, China’s "new trio" of exports – new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar panels – turned "Made in China" into a label for green manufacturing. Today, artificial intelligence, robotics, and innovative pharmaceuticals emerged as the new "new trio", marking a pivotal transition for China’s economy that powered by technological breakthroughs. 

To anyone tracking China’s rise, these three sectors are no longer just market darlings, but have formed the backbone of its high-quality development and hold the key to redefining Chinese assets on the global stage.

Technology companies now make up over a quarter of China's A-share market as the country steps up support for sci-tech innovation, China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) Chairman Wu Qing announced at a recent press conference. The market cap of tech stocks is significantly higher than the combined market cap of the banking, non-bank financial, and real estate sectors, Wu said. This signals a clear paradigm shift: robots, AI, and innovative drugs have officially taken over as the new growth engines of China’s economy.

The rise of the new "new trio" is no accident. Globally, technological competitiveness has become the cornerstone of national strength, while domestically, the land-finance growth model has run its course, with AI breakthroughs taking the wheel to drive on the lane of new productive forces. 

Each of these three sectors fills a non-negotiable niche: Robotics serves as the "physical engine" of smart manufacturing, addressing labor shortages and boosting efficiency. AI acts as the "digital brain," supercharging everything from factory operations to drug R&D. Innovative pharmaceuticals stand as the "value core" of life sciences, safeguarding public health while generating high returns to fund further innovation.

Let’s examine the market dynamics. In the robotics sector—particularly humanoid robots, viewed as the next transformative smart terminal after computers, smartphones, and new energy vehicles—A-share leader Inovance Technology boasts a market cap exceeding 200 billion yuan. Sanxie Motor surged by more than 785% on its debut trading day, while unlisted players like UBTECH and DeepRobotics have also become darlings of capital.

In AI, multiple enterprises already hold a market cap of over 100 billion yuan. The colloquial “Ji Lian Hai" refers to Cambricon, Foxconn Industrial Internet, and Hygon—firms focusing on AI computing chips and infrastructure. Their order books and profit margins hit record highs in H1 2024. Meanwhile, “Yi Zhong Tian" denotes Eoptolink, Zhongji Innolight, and Tianfu Communication, whose optical modules are in high demand for high-speed data transmission in large AI models, driving simultaneous growth in both earnings and stock prices.

For innovative drugs, Hengrui Pharmaceuticals is approaching a 500 billion yuan market cap, with WuXi AppTec, Hansoh Pharma, and Innovent Biologics each exceeding 100 billion yuan, with their business models shifting from "capital-intensive investment" to "profit-generating operations."

In a global perspective, China’s position in these three sectors is evolving from "catch-up" to "leadership." 

Robotics leads the pack, ranking among the global first tier as it boasts a complete industrial chain, the world’s largest market, and advanced localization of components, though high-end servo motors still rely on imports as Japanese firms control 60% of the servo market.

AI is in "overall catch-up, with leadership in specific applications"—excelling in computer vision and speech recognition, but facing gaps in core chips (NVIDIA dominates 80% of the global market) and framework ecosystems.

Innovative pharmaceuticals are moving from "follow-up" to "catch-up," with overseas transaction volumes surging, a sign of international recognition for R&D capabilities, yet challenges remain in target discovery and basic research translation.

But these bottlenecks are far from dead ends; they’re precisely the arenas where China’s strengths will come to the fore. The solution is clear: Unlock cross-sector data to unleash AI’s full potential; speed up approvals for life-saving technologies; build more computing hubs and train interdisciplinary talent; implement "regulatory sandboxes" to allow room for innovation experimentation, avoiding "one-size-fits-all" policies that restrict development; and join global tech standard-setting to ensure China’s voice is heard.

The shift from the old "new trio" to the new "new trio" reflects the intrinsic logic of China’s industrial upgrading. While challenges lie ahead, the performance of leading enterprises, supportive policy rollouts, and tangible technological breakthroughs all indicate that capital is casting a "vote of confidence" with real investment.

For international investors and collaborators, this is likely the masterplan for the upcoming wave of tech-driven expansion. Leveraging its vast market expanse, targeted policy impetus, and robust industrial ecosystems, China’s new "new trio" stands poised to transmute present-day trials into triumphs of tomorrow.

Stephanie: Hey everyone, and welcome to this edition of CBN x ASEAN Watch. I’m Stephanie, your host, and today we’re taking you to the ongoing China-ASEAN Expo. 

Entering its 22nd edition this year, the old-line China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) for the first time set up a 10,000-square-meter pavilion dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI), underscoring the ever-expanding and deepening cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The expo opened on Wednesday in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi province in southern China. This year, it boasts an exhibition area of nearly 160,000 square meters, with over 3,200 enterprises from 60 countries participating.

Joining me today is Sharon and Jiaying, our ASEAN correspondents who are now at the very location of the expo in Nanning. Hi, Jiaying.

Jiaying: Hi, Stephanie, and hello to our listens. 

Can you guess where I am now? Yes, I’m at the AI Pavilion, the absolute spotlight of this year’s China-ASEAN Expo.

The AI pavilion is the largest single-theme hall in the expo's history. It hosts nearly 200 tech firms, from industry leaders to innovative startups, showcasing about 1,200 innovative products and technologies, ranging from consumer-grade smart devices to industrial-grade solutions, forming a complete innovation chain.

Stephanie: Wow, this is so exciting! How is the AI pavilion like? 

Jiaying: Of course. On opening day, the AI pavilion quickly became a major draw for visitors. I’ve been talking with some of the exhibitors, and they are very excited to be here with their latest AI products. Take a listen.

(In Chinese: Staff from InMyShow Digital Technology Group, a Guangxi-based MCN company that incubate online influencers, introduces their latest AI digital avatars that support Chinese as well as the languages used in all 10 ASEAN member countries.)

Stephanie: What are some of the “hardcore” AI products that impressed you? And how do they serve ASEAN clients?

Jiaying: Major tech giants such as Huawei, Alibaba, iFlytek, Unitree Robotics and Qi-Anxin Group are prominently featured in the AI pavilion, where they showcased their advanced products.

(iFlytek staff: We have recently launched a multilingual AI model specifically designed for the 10 ASEAN members. This model has significant enhancement in capabilities, including language understanding, machine translation, knowledge question-and-answer facilities and text generation. In 2024 we sold approximately 15,000 smart devices in ASEAN countries, generating total revenue of about 13 million yuan.) 

Stephanie: Thank you, Jiaying, for bringing us the vibe of the AI pavilion.

As an important open platform for China-ASEAN cooperation, the expo has tightly embraced the new era of AI.

The theme of this year's expo, "Digital Intelligence and Innovation Empower Development – Leveraging China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 New Opportunities for an Even Closer China-ASEAN Community with a Shared Future," highlights the role of technology in boosting bilateral trade and cooperation.

Cambodian Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth said that the theme underscores "the urgent need" for cooperation in building a region that is both prosperous and peaceful by leveraging digital technology and innovation, as well as promoting trade and investment.

At this year’s edition, ASEAN members have also been actively engaging with the expo's emphasis on AI. The AI pavilion is also presenting the latest scientific and technological achievements from many ASEAN members, including Brunei, Malaysia and Thailand.

Now let’s talk to Sharon. She’s been covering the ASEAN Zone.

Sharon: Hi Stephanie. The ASEAN Zone at the dedicated AI pavilion has been warmly welcomed by ASEAN members, including the Brunei Innovation Lab, Indonesian Telematics Society, Malaysian Global Telecom Group, Myanmar Computer Industry Association, and Thai Mitr Phol Group, which showcase smart agriculture technologies, remote communication equipment, and scientific and technological innovation projects from ASEAN countries.

For example, the Indonesian Telematics Society - a non-profit dedicated to information, communication and broadcasting technology - has showcased Indonesia's cutting-edge products. Sarwoto Atmosutarno, the organization's president, said the firm has collaborated with Chinese tech leaders like ZTE and Huawei. It now boasts 31 member units, all actively applying AI and building data centers and cloud services.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology has been organizing Vietnamese enterprises to exhibit high-tech projects at the Vietnamese Commodities Pavilion.

Stephanie: Collaboration between China and ASEAN members through platforms such as this expo is crucial for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices in AI.This partnership not only strengthens economic ties but also promotes technological advancements that can address common challenges faced by the region.

Sharon: Exactly. With the demand for AI solutions ever increasing, the debut of these products at the expo serves as a catalyst for further cooperation and innovation, paving the way for a more integrated and technologically advanced future for both China and ASEAN.

I was talking with the Vice President of the Laos Chamber of Commerce, and he told me that Guangxi is a strategic location to implement China-ASEAN cooperation in AI.

(Thanousone Phonamat, vice president of Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry: This morning I had the opportunity to attend the Ministerial Round Table on AI with high level officials from China and ASEAN. After discussion between ASEAN member countries and China, the conclusion from theChina side is that Guangxi is located in very strategic location. It’s the gateway for collaboration between ASEAN and China.

I’ve also come to Guangxi many times. We work with quite a few technology companies. Every time we come, we see that Gangxi’s technology development is quite fast, because I also travel to cities in China, like Shenzhen or Shanghai, and I found that it's not too big different. We are happy to be close to Guangxi as we share similar culture, similar food, and our communication is easier and we are very happy to cooperate with the Guangxi government and Guangxi businesses, for our AI development. )

Stephanie: Thanks Sharon for sharing your observations at the expo. Official data show that bilateral trade volumes have consistently risen, with China remaining ASEAN's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner for the past five years.

By enhancing trade frameworks and embracing AI, China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation is set to become even more dynamic and deliver even greater win-win outcomes.

And that’s our program today. Thanks for listening and until the next time!