Latest news with #EastAsian
Sharjah 24
38 minutes ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave
Beijing-based Pop Mart is part of a rising tide of Chinese cultural exports gaining traction abroad, furry ambassadors of a "cool" China even in places associated more with negative public opinion of Beijing such as Europe and North America. Labubus, which typically sell for around $40, are released in limited quantities and sold in "blind boxes", meaning buyers don't know the exact model they will receive. The dolls are "a bit quirky and ugly and very inclusive, so people can relate", interior designer Lucy Shitova told AFP at a Pop Mart store in London, where in-person sales of Labubus have been suspended over fears that fans could turn violent in their quest for the toys. "Now everything goes viral... because of social media. And yes, it's cool. It's different." While neighbouring East Asian countries South Korea and Japan are globally recognised for their high-end fashion, cinema and pop songs, China's heavily censored film and music industry have struggled to attract international audiences, and the country's best-known clothing exporter is fast-fashion website Shein. There have been few success stories of Chinese companies selling upmarket goods under their own brands, faced with stereotypes of cheap and low-quality products. "It has been hard for the world's consumers to perceive China as a brand-creating nation," the University of Maryland's Fan Yang told AFP. Pop Mart has bucked the trend, spawning copycats dubbed by social media users as "lafufus" and detailed YouTube videos on how to verify a doll's authenticity. Brands such as designer womenswear label Shushu/Tong, Shanghai-based Marchen and Beijing-based handbag maker Songmont have also gained recognition abroad over the past few years. "It might just be a matter of time before even more Chinese brands become globally recognisable," Yang said. TikTok effect Through viral exports like Labubu, China is "undergoing a soft-power shift where its products and image are increasingly cool among young Westerners," said Allison Malmsten, an analyst at China-based Daxue Consulting. Malmsten said she believed social media could boost China's global image "similar to that of Japan in the 80s to 2010s with Pokemon and Nintendo". Video app TikTok -- designed by China's ByteDance -- paved the way for Labubu's ascent when it became the first Chinese-branded product to be indispensable for young people internationally. Joshua Kurlantzick from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) told AFP that "TikTok probably played a role in changing consumers' minds about China". TikTok, which is officially blocked within China but still accessible with VPN software, has over one billion users, including what the company says is nearly half of the US population. The app has become a focus of national security fears in the United States, with a proposed ban seeing American TikTok users flock to another Chinese app, Rednote, where they were welcomed as digital "refugees". A conduit for Chinese social media memes and fashion trends, TikTok hosts over 1.7 million videos about Labubu. Labubumania Cultural exports can "improve the image of China as a place that has companies that can produce globally attractive goods or services", CFR's Kurlantzick told AFP. "I don't know how much, if at all, this impacts images of China's state or government," he said, pointing to how South Korea's undeniable soft power has not translated into similar levels of political might. While plush toys alone might not translate into actual power, the United States' chaotic global image under the Trump presidency could benefit perceptions of China, the University of Maryland's Yang said. "The connection many make between the seeming decline of US soft power and the potential rise in China's global image may reflect how deeply intertwined the two countries are in the minds of people whose lives are impacted by both simultaneously," she told AFP. At the very least, Labubu's charms appear to be promoting interest in China among the younger generation. "It's like a virus. Everyone just wants it," Kazakhstani mother-of-three Anelya Batalova told AFP at Pop Mart's theme park in Beijing. Qatari Maryam Hammadi, 11, posed for photos in front of a giant Labubu statue. "In our country, they love Labubu," she said. "So, when they realise that the origin of Labubu is in China, they'd like to come to see the different types of Labubu in China."
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Ally Issues Update on China's Double Aircraft Carrier Moves in Pacific
The Chinese military has concluded its unprecedented dual aircraft carrier deployment in the broader western Pacific, as one of the warships was spotted leaving the region, Japan has said. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. The Chinese navy is the world's largest by hull count, enabling the East Asian power to steadily expand its military reach and presence within and beyond the western Pacific, challenging U.S. naval dominance as well as the security of America's allies and partners. Both of China's aircraft carriers in active service-CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong-have been operating simultaneously in waters east of the First Island Chain, a U.S. maritime defensive line formed by Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, for the first time since June 7. This rare Chinese naval operation, closely monitored by Japan-a U.S. treaty ally-comes as the U.S. redeploys one of its two aircraft carriers, USS Nimitz, to the Middle East from the western Pacific, in response to rising tensions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict. The Japanese Defense Ministry issued another update on the Chinese dual aircraft carrier deployment on Friday, revealing that the Liaoning and its naval task group returned to the East China Sea from the Philippine Sea after transiting the Miyako Strait that same day. Meanwhile, the Shandong-led naval task group continued operating in waters east of the northern Philippines from Tuesday to Thursday. It remains unclear whether this Chinese flotilla will return to the western side of the First Island Chain by transiting the Luzon Strait. Both waterways-located along the First Island Chain-are key gateways for China's naval operations in the broader western Pacific. The Miyako Strait lies in Japan's southwestern waters, while the Luzon Strait separates Taiwan to the north and the Philippines to the south. With regard to the Chinese aircraft carriers' flight operations involving fighter jets and helicopters, the Liaoning conducted 150 takeoffs and landings from Tuesday to Thursday, while the Shandong executed 120 takeoffs and landings during the same three-day period. The Liaoning, underway in the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea since May 25, has performed a total of 700 aircraft takeoffs and landings. Meanwhile, the Shandong has conducted 350 takeoffs and landings since June 9, according to Japan's Defense Ministry. In total, fighter jets and helicopters from the Chinese aircraft carriers executed over 1,000 takeoffs and landings during this western Pacific deployment, which lasted nearly a month. Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, said in a statement on June 13: "China's carrier training was conducted in international waters, was not directed at any specific country or target, and fully complied with international law and international practice." Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference on June 10: "Let me reiterate that Chinese naval vessels' activities in those waters are fully consistent with international law and international practices. Our national defense policy is defensive in nature. We hope Japan will view those activities objectively and rationally." The objectives of this Chinese dual aircraft carrier deployment remain to be seen. It is unclear whether the U.S. will enhance its naval presence in the western Pacific. Related Articles China's Fungus-A Biological Weapons Attack on America's Food Supply? | OpinionUS Grows Defense Partnership Next Door to ChinaUS's NATO and Pacific Allies Sail Warships Near China's CoastTrump TikTok Executive Order Sparks GOP Backlash: 'Brazenly Illegal' 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Ally Issues Update on China's Double Aircraft Carrier Moves in Pacific
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Chinese military has concluded its unprecedented dual aircraft carrier deployment in the broader western Pacific, as one of the warships was spotted leaving the region, Japan has said. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. Why It Matters The Chinese navy is the world's largest by hull count, enabling the East Asian power to steadily expand its military reach and presence within and beyond the western Pacific, challenging U.S. naval dominance as well as the security of America's allies and partners. Both of China's aircraft carriers in active service—CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong—have been operating simultaneously in waters east of the First Island Chain, a U.S. maritime defensive line formed by Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, for the first time since June 7. This rare Chinese naval operation, closely monitored by Japan—a U.S. treaty ally—comes as the U.S. redeploys one of its two aircraft carriers, USS Nimitz, to the Middle East from the western Pacific, in response to rising tensions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict. What To Know The Japanese Defense Ministry issued another update on the Chinese dual aircraft carrier deployment on Friday, revealing that the Liaoning and its naval task group returned to the East China Sea from the Philippine Sea after transiting the Miyako Strait that same day. Meanwhile, the Shandong-led naval task group continued operating in waters east of the northern Philippines from Tuesday to Thursday. It remains unclear whether this Chinese flotilla will return to the western side of the First Island Chain by transiting the Luzon Strait. Both waterways—located along the First Island Chain—are key gateways for China's naval operations in the broader western Pacific. The Miyako Strait lies in Japan's southwestern waters, while the Luzon Strait separates Taiwan to the north and the Philippines to the south. With regard to the Chinese aircraft carriers' flight operations involving fighter jets and helicopters, the Liaoning conducted 150 takeoffs and landings from Tuesday to Thursday, while the Shandong executed 120 takeoffs and landings during the same three-day period. The Liaoning, underway in the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea since May 25, has performed a total of 700 aircraft takeoffs and landings. Meanwhile, the Shandong has conducted 350 takeoffs and landings since June 9, according to Japan's Defense Ministry. In total, fighter jets and helicopters from the Chinese aircraft carriers executed over 1,000 takeoffs and landings during this western Pacific deployment, which lasted nearly a month. What People Are Saying Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, said in a statement on June 13: "China's carrier training was conducted in international waters, was not directed at any specific country or target, and fully complied with international law and international practice." Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference on June 10: "Let me reiterate that Chinese naval vessels' activities in those waters are fully consistent with international law and international practices. Our national defense policy is defensive in nature. We hope Japan will view those activities objectively and rationally." Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, top, and CNS Shandong, bottom, conduct flight operations with J-15 fighter jets in the western Pacific Ocean in early June 2025. Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, top, and CNS Shandong, bottom, conduct flight operations with J-15 fighter jets in the western Pacific Ocean in early June 2025. Chinese military What Happens Next The objectives of this Chinese dual aircraft carrier deployment remain to be seen. It is unclear whether the U.S. will enhance its naval presence in the western Pacific.
Epoch Times
5 hours ago
- Health
- Epoch Times
How Whole Grains Help Regulate Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, and Cholesterol
As people age, many face a range of health challenges, such as a slowing metabolism, increasing weight, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high cholesterol, graying hair, and poor sleep. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) considers grains like barley, oats, and light wheat natural and effective for supporting digestion and promoting kidney and brain health. 1. Barley A common concern for many middle-aged people is graying hair. According to 'Classified Materia Medica' from Historical Classics for Emergency, barley promotes hair darkening and, when consumed regularly, can delay graying. For those looking to nourish their hair and prevent graying, drinking barley tea—a traditional East Asian beverage made by roasting barley grains and steeping them in hot water—regularly is a natural, side-effect-free option that is safer and healthier than using hair dye.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Monsters and memes: Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave
SHANGHAI: Small, fuzzy and baring sharp teeth, Chinese toymaker Pop Mart's Labubu monster dolls have taken over the world, drawing excited crowds at international stores and adorning the handbags of celebrities such as Rihanna and Cher. Beijing-based Pop Mart is part of a rising tide of Chinese cultural exports gaining traction abroad, furry ambassadors of a 'cool' China even in places associated more with negative public opinion of Beijing such as Europe and North America. Labubus, which typically sell for around $40, are released in limited quantities and sold in 'blind boxes', meaning buyers don't know the exact model they will receive. The dolls are 'a bit quirky and ugly and very inclusive, so people can relate', interior designer Lucy Shitova told AFP at a Pop Mart store in London, where in-person sales of Labubus have been suspended over fears that fans could turn violent in their quest for the toys. 'Now everything goes viral... because of social media. And yes, it's cool. It's different.' While neighbouring East Asian countries South Korea and Japan are globally recognised for their high-end fashion, cinema and pop songs, China's heavily censored film and music industry have struggled to attract international audiences, and the country's best-known clothing exporter is fast-fashion website Shein. There have been few success stories of Chinese companies selling upmarket goods under their own brands, faced with stereotypes of cheap and low-quality products. 'It has been hard for the world's consumers to perceive China as a brand-creating nation,' the University of Maryland's Fan Yang told AFP. Pop Mart has bucked the trend, spawning copycats dubbed by social media users as 'lafufus' and detailed YouTube videos on how to verify a doll's authenticity. Brands such as designer womenswear label Shushu/Tong, Shanghai-based Marchen and Beijing-based handbag maker Songmont have also gained recognition abroad over the past few years. 'It might just be a matter of time before even more Chinese brands become globally recognisable,' Yang said. TikTok effect Through viral exports like Labubu, China is 'undergoing a soft-power shift where its products and image are increasingly cool among young Westerners,' said Allison Malmsten, an analyst at China-based Daxue Consulting. Malmsten said she believed social media could boost China's global image 'similar to that of Japan in the 80s to 2010s with Pokemon and Nintendo'. Video app TikTok -- designed by China's ByteDance -- paved the way for Labubu's ascent when it became the first Chinese-branded product to be indispensable for young people internationally. Joshua Kurlantzick from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) told AFP that 'TikTok probably played a role in changing consumers' minds about China'. TikTok, which is officially blocked within China but still accessible with VPN software, has over one billion users, including what the company says is nearly half of the US population. The app has become a focus of national security fears in the United States, with a proposed ban seeing American TikTok users flock to another Chinese app, Rednote, where they were welcomed as digital 'refugees'. A conduit for Chinese social media memes and fashion trends, TikTok hosts over 1.7 million videos about Labubu. Labubumania Cultural exports can 'improve the image of China as a place that has companies that can produce globally attractive goods or services', CFR's Kurlantzick told AFP. 'I don't know how much, if at all, this impacts images of China's state or government,' he said, pointing to how South Korea's undeniable soft power has not translated into similar levels of political might. While plush toys alone might not translate into actual power, the United States' chaotic global image under the Trump presidency could benefit perceptions of China, the University of Maryland's Yang said. 'The connection many make between the seeming decline of US soft power and the potential rise in China's global image may reflect how deeply intertwined the two countries are in the minds of people whose lives are impacted by both simultaneously,' she told AFP. At the very least, Labubu's charms appear to be promoting interest in China among the younger generation. 'It's like a virus. Everyone just wants it,' Kazakhstani mother-of-three Anelya Batalova told AFP at Pop Mart's theme park in Beijing. Qatari Maryam Hammadi, 11, posed for photos in front of a giant Labubu statue. 'In our country, they love Labubu,' she said. 'So, when they realise that the origin of Labubu is in China, they'd like to come to see the different types of Labubu in China.'
