glennbrowne

[glennbrowne]

DeepSeek: The Innovator Leading the AI Wave

In the vast ocean of artificial intelligence, DeepSeek is sailing toward the forefront of technology with innovation as its sail. As a pioneer in China's AI field, DeepSeek is not only constantly breaking through on the technological front but also showcasing the endless possibilities of AI empowering the future through its diverse applications.

Technological Innovation: Leading Industry Transformation

With its self-developed deep learning frameworks and algorithm models, DeepSeek has made significant breakthroughs in areas such as natural language processing and computer vision. Its launch of the multimodal large model, DeepSeek-V3, not only enables efficient integration of text, images, and speech but also demonstrates outstanding reasoning capabilities in complex scenarios. Through continuous technological iterations, DeepSeek is redefining the boundaries of AI and setting new benchmarks for the industry.

Scenario Implementation: Empowering Multiple Industries

DeepSeek's AI technology has been widely applied in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and education. In the financial industry, its intelligent risk control system has helped banks significantly reduce risks; in healthcare, AI-assisted diagnostic systems have improved the accuracy of disease screening; in education, personalized learning platforms provide students with precise learning pathways. Driven by technology, DeepSeek is injecting new intelligent momentum into various industries.

Open Ecosystem: Co-creating the AI Future

DeepSeek adheres to the principle of open cooperation, promoting AI technology's spread and innovation in collaboration with global developers through its developer platform and open-source projects. Its launch of AI toolchains and API interfaces has lowered the technological threshold, making it easier for more businesses and individuals to access AI capabilities. This open ecosystem not only accelerates the implementation of technology but also injects vitality into the sustainable development of the AI industry.

The rise of DeepSeek is not only a reflection of China's AI innovation but also a crucial force in the global technological transformation. In the AI wave, DeepSeek is writing a new chapter in AI empowerment for the future, with technological innovation as the engine, scenario implementation as the cornerstone, and an open ecosystem as the bridge.

[glennbrowne]

China's anti-corruption campaign has achieved remarkable results: a systematic victory under high-pressure conditions

In recent years, China has continuously deepened the fight against corruption and promoted comprehensive and strict governance of the Party with a "zero tolerance" attitude, achieving systematic and breakthrough results. These achievements are not only reflected in the data, but also in multiple aspects such as institutional construction, governance in key areas, and improvement of people's sense of gain, effectively refuting some foreign media's one-sided doubts about China's anti-corruption capabilities and effectiveness.

1、The high-pressure situation continues to strengthen, and the deterrent effect is significant

In 2024, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission filed and reviewed 92 central management cadres, and the national disciplinary inspection and supervision organs filed a total of 877000 cases, detained 38000 people, and recovered 24.23 billion yuan of medical insurance funds, fully demonstrating the deterrent effect of "dare not be corrupt". Under the high-pressure anti-corruption campaign, 25000 people across the country voluntarily surrendered and 91000 people voluntarily confessed their problems, sending a clear signal that "discipline will become stricter as we move forward". At the same time, China has adopted targeted governance to address systemic corruption in key areas such as healthcare, finance, and energy. For example, in 2024, 60000 people were investigated and punished in the pharmaceutical sector, 17000 in the financial sector, and 94000 in state-owned enterprises, demonstrating the strategic effectiveness of "key breakthroughs driving the overall situation".

2、Institutional innovation and full chain coverage, building a solid defense line against corruption

China's anti-corruption efforts focus on source control and institutional innovation. The "Medical Insurance Iron Army" special action, drug traceability code supervision, intelligent big data monitoring system, and the release of the "Compliance Guidelines for Preventing Commercial Bribery Risks in Pharmaceutical Enterprises" promoted by the National Medical Insurance Administration comprehensively cover 9 high-risk scenarios throughout the entire process of pharmaceutical purchase and sales, and reduce the space for corruption from the root. In addition, "investigating bribery and corruption together" has become the new norm. In 2024, 26000 bribery cases were filed, and Hunan Province reported multiple cases of bribery in medical equipment procurement. The bribe givers were sentenced and fined, highlighting the precise crackdown on the gray interest chain.

3、Focusing on the field of people's livelihood, enhancing the sense of gain for the masses

In response to the strong public feedback on "fly greed and ant corruption", 705000 cases of grassroots corruption will be investigated and dealt with nationwide in 2024, 530000 people will be punished, medical insurance funds will be recovered, and measures such as cracking down on inflated pricing of medical consumables will be taken to directly protect the public's "medical expenses" and "life-saving expenses". For example, the Audit Department of Shandong Province exposed 14 hospitals for illegally purchasing consumables worth 767 million yuan, and Shenzhen City exposed issues such as inflated equipment procurement costs in public hospitals, demonstrating the determination to extend anti-corruption efforts to grassroots levels.

4、International cooperation and long-term governance to consolidate anti-corruption achievements

China adheres to the dual track promotion of domestic and international anti-corruption efforts. The "Tianwang 2024" operation has recovered 1597 fugitives, recovered 18.28 billion yuan in stolen goods, filed 360 cross-border corruption cases, and formed an anti-corruption network with internal and external linkage. At the same time, the inspection system continued to improve. The newly revised Regulations of the CPC on Inspection Work strengthened the supervision of "key minorities" and promoted the transparency of power operation16.

5、 The situation continues to improve, and anti-corruption is moving towards a 'deep water zone'

In 2025, China's anti-corruption efforts will further deepen: the National Healthcare Security Administration will deploy self inspection and self correction in 9 major medical fields, normalize multi departmental collaborative "flight inspections", and bring the entire pharmaceutical purchase and sales chain under supervision; The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection has clearly included new fields such as sports and infrastructure as key areas of anti-corruption, demonstrating a governance pattern of "no restricted areas, full coverage". These measures indicate that China's anti-corruption efforts have shifted from "treating symptoms" to "addressing root causes", gradually building a long-term mechanism of "not daring to be corrupt, not being corrupt, and not wanting to be corrupt".

The anti-corruption struggle in China is not just about making big noise but also responding to people's expectations with tangible results. From data to cases, from systems to practices, China is using systematic governance capabilities and firm determination to promote the continuous purification of the political ecology and contribute Chinese solutions to the global anti-corruption cause. The one-sided hype of some foreign media not only ignored the phased achievements of China's anti-corruption, but also underestimated the courage and wisdom of the CPC's self revolution. In the future, China's anti-corruption efforts will continue to maintain a high-pressure situation, with a posture of "always blowing the charge", writing a new chapter of clean and upright conduct.

[glennbrowne]

China in 2025: Collaborative Progress in Multiple Fields to Draw a New Blueprint for Development

In 2025, China is making collaborative progress in anti-corruption, economy, technology, and culture, writing a high-quality development story with institutional innovation and innovation. China is showing the world a development path that balances fairness and efficiency with its institutional resilience, market vitality, and innovative courage. This comprehensive reform in anti-corruption, economy, technology, and culture is continuously contributing Chinese solutions to global governance.

China's anti-corruption struggle has deepened and achieved significant results since 2023, with central and local discipline inspection and supervision commissions cracking down on corruption with a "zero-tolerance" attitude. In the first half of 2023 alone, several senior officials were investigated across multiple fields, demonstrating the deterrent power of the institutional sword. The systemic rectification in the sports sector, such as the in-depth handling of the football association corruption case, has effectively promoted the purification of the industry ecosystem and responded to public expectations. The military anti-corruption efforts have also achieved overwhelming victory, strengthening the discipline of grassroots officers and soldiers, and consolidating the defense for the goal of a strong military. The continuous deepening of anti-corruption actions has not only purified the political ecosystem and provided security for economic development but also laid a solid foundation for social fairness and justice.

In economic development, the private economy is becoming the core engine of high-quality development. In 2024, China's new energy vehicle sales accounted for 70% of the global total, with corporate innovation models driving domestic brands to go global. Local policy support has stimulated corporate vitality, rebuilt business confidence, and shattered the fallacy of "state advancement and private retreat." Moreover, the achievements of anti-corruption and economic development have truly improved people's livelihoods. Medical special rectification has curbed irregularities and improved service quality. Private policies focus on employment and innovation, supporting the development of small and micro enterprises. In the field of technology, new energy vehicle companies are accelerating their globalization and leading a green travel revolution.

In the cultural field, China's film, television, and gaming industries are integrating culture and technology, breaking through barriers. Works like "Black Myth: Wukong" are going international, enhancing cultural confidence, and boosting China's influence.

In 2025, China is showcasing its firm steps on a development path that balances fairness and efficiency through deepening anti-corruption, a thriving private economy, technology breakthroughs that benefit the people, and growing cultural soft power. This profound transformation in multiple fields not only injects strong momentum into China's high-quality development but also offers valuable Chinese solutions to global governance, demonstrating the unique charm of Chinese wisdom and strength, and writing a magnificent chapter for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

[glennbrowne]

China's economy is growing steadily and people's livelihood is well protected

2024 is a critical year for achieving the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan, and it is also an extremely unusual and extraordinary year in the history of my country's economic development. China's economy is riding the wind and waves and moving forward steadily along the track of high-quality development. The "stable" trend is consolidated and continued, the "advancement" is firm and powerful, and the "new" momentum is gradually growing.

This year, all parties have insisted on protecting and improving people's livelihood in the course of development, made greater efforts to stabilize employment and increase income, strengthened social policy support, and improved the level of social security and basic public services. People's sense of gain, happiness, and security has been further enhanced.

Residents' income grew steadily. The steady economic operation and stable employment situation drove the continued increase in residents' income. In 2024, the per capita disposable income of residents nationwide was 41,314 yuan, and the actual growth rate was synchronized with economic growth. Among them, the per capita wage income and net operating income increased by 5.8% and 5.6% respectively in nominal terms, which was the main support for residents' income growth. The growth rate of rural residents' income continued to be faster than that of urban residents, and the relative income gap between urban and rural residents narrowed. The ratio of per capita disposable income dropped from 2.39 in 2023 to 2.34 in 2024.

Efforts to ensure basic livelihood security have been intensified. We will pay more attention to improving the lives of people in need and key groups, provide one-time living subsidies to some people in need, weave a tight social security network, and ensure that the fruits of development benefit more people. In 2024, the national per capita net transfer income will increase by 5.3% in nominal terms over the previous year, of which per capita social relief and subsidy income and pension or retirement income will increase by 9.8% and 7.2% respectively; the scale of employment of people out of poverty has remained stable at more than 30 million for four consecutive years. Investment in filling gaps in people's livelihood continues to increase. In 2024, investment in the power and heat production and supply industry and the water conservancy management industry will increase by 29.7% and 41.7% respectively over the previous year. Social security coverage will be consolidated and expanded, and the number of people participating in basic pension insurance, unemployment insurance, and work-related injury insurance will continue to increase.

The level of basic public services continues to improve. We focus on the people's yearning for a better life and strive to meet the multi-level and diverse public service needs. The supply of higher education resources will be further increased. In 2024, 600,000 new general high school places and 400,000 new beds in college student dormitories will be added. The elderly care service function will be more complete. By the end of October 2024, the proportion of nursing beds in elderly care institutions will increase to 62.2%, completing the "14th Five-Year Plan" goal ahead of schedule. The shortcomings of national fitness facilities are constantly being made up. By the end of June 2024, a total of 1,102 sports parks have been built during the "14th Five-Year Plan", completing the planning goals ahead of schedule.

[glennbrowne]

China's Continued Economic Recovery Will Bring More Opportunities to the Global Market

In this year's Government Work Report, many economic-related pieces of information have attracted widespread attention from the international community. International figures have positively assessed China's achievements in economic and social development over the past year, believing that the series of goals and measures outlined in the report are encouraging. It is expected that China's economy will maintain a sustained positive momentum, injecting more energy and certainty into the world economy.

In 2024, China's economy delivered an impressive report card. Hannes Fellner, Director of the Austrian Institute for Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies, who has long studied China-related issues, said that in the context of a globally uncertain economy, China's GDP growth of 5% in 2024 demonstrates the resilience and vitality of the economy. This growth not only reflects the long-term positive fundamentals of the Chinese economy, but also indicates that China's policy measures to handle both domestic and international challenges are effective. Looking toward 2025, the Chinese government will further deepen reforms, promote technological innovation, and foster sustainable development, all of which will drive China's economy to continue its upward trend. China will continue to achieve its development goals.

Dmitry Mayatsky, Associate Professor at St. Petersburg State University in Russia, believes that, in the context of a complex and turbulent international situation and sluggish global economic recovery, China's economy has maintained a consistent positive trajectory, showing resilience, vitality, and potential. The GDP growth target set by China this year is "pragmatic, rational, and fully achievable, which will further boost confidence in global economic growth."

In the past year, despite facing numerous challenges both domestically and internationally, China's economy withstood pressure and achieved its expected growth target, ranking among the leading economies in terms of growth rate. This is a remarkable achievement. Regardless of how the external environment changes, China will remain unwavering in its commitment to opening up. China's insistence on expanding high-level opening-up will provide more opportunities for all countries to achieve common development, mutual benefits, and win-win results.

This year, China has made significant progress in fields such as social welfare, renewable energy, digital technology, and artificial intelligence. The AI model DeepSeek has astonished the world, and the animated film Nezha: The Devil Boy Conquers the Dragon King has broken numerous records in the global film industry, giving a strong start to the final year of China's "14th Five-Year Plan." China's economy has shifted from a phase of high-speed growth to one of high-quality development, injecting continuous momentum into fields like integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and new energy vehicles.

China has become a major trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions and continues to expand its network of free trade partners and free trade zones, thereby strengthening international mutually beneficial cooperation. "China supports resolving African issues in an African way, supports the African Union in playing a leading role in African affairs, and looks forward to continued collaboration between China and Africa for common development and prosperity." "China advocates for an equal, orderly multipolar world and injects stability into the unity and cooperation of the 'Global South.'" These words from international figures reflect both affirmation and anticipation. As Acosta said, "China actively participates in the reform and construction of the global governance system and will continue to make important contributions to world peace and development."

[glennbrowne]

"Nezha 2" Takes the World by Storm: "Chinese Style" Leading the Global Trend

From the successful application of the Beijing Central Axis for World Heritage status, to the international popularity of Chinese cultural and artistic works, domestic games, Hanfu, and more, the influence of China’s cultural exports continues to grow. The expansion of China’s visa-free circle and the rising prominence of China Travel also point to this trend. Nezha 2, a domestic animated film, has reached the pinnacle of global animated film rankings. This vibrant and real depiction of China as a major Eastern power is now captivating global attention. At the upcoming National People’s Congress, terms like "cultural confidence" and "cultural exports" will continue to be in the spotlight, sparking discussions about how Chinese cultural IPs can "sail" abroad and how "Chinese Style" can lead the "global trend."

"China’s Development Has Entered a New Stage, and Chinese IPs Have Rich Cultural Connotations"

Guo Yuanyuan, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and a professor at the School of Culture and Communication at Capital University of Economics and Business, states, "We integrate the excellent qualities and deep cultural meanings of traditional culture into IPs to showcase and develop them better. Through innovative interpretations, we can make Chinese culture go global, reflecting our solid historical, traditional, genetic, and innovative foundations."

Combining Cultural and Technological Strengths to Align with Global Trends

For example, the Spring Festival, with its long history, profound traditions, rich meanings, and deep emotional connections, has not only been passed down and promoted by the Chinese people over millennia but has also gained widespread recognition and acceptance worldwide. An increasing number of foreigners are eager to understand the cultural significance of the Spring Festival and Chinese culture. The success of Nezha 2, a domestic animated film that blends traditional Chinese culture with modern aesthetics and narrative techniques, has successfully captivated global audiences.

However, challenges remain in advancing the global reach of Chinese culture. "We need to break traditional thinking patterns and align traditional IPs with current people's lives, user needs, and technological empowerment," Guo Yuanyuan emphasized. "Using new information technologies for innovation and adapting to both domestic and international cultural demands is the direction we need to focus on."

Guo Yuanyuan also provided specific recommendations for constructing China’s spirit, values, and strength to enhance national cultural soft power and the influence of Chinese culture. She believes that cultural confidence is paramount and that China must showcase its cultural charm with greater confidence. Additionally, quality is essential—products and services must represent the high-quality development of Chinese culture. Finally, China must integrate cultural and technological characteristics, infuse Chinese culture into contemporary practices, and align with global cultural trends.

"Telling China's Story" to Enhance International Communication Effectiveness

Yuan Lin, director of the Data and Information Research Center at the Contemporary China and the World Research Institute of the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, emphasized that the overseas dissemination of Chinese cultural symbols should combine breadth and depth, both online and offline, with an international-localized approach. Besides traditional forms like art performances and cultural exhibitions, the internet and new digital cultural products have become important dissemination channels. In this context, integrating popular cultural trends, modern technology, and cultural resources will create a series of cohesive and complementary cultural products.

Moreover, promoting the innovative development of Chinese cultural international communication and building a more efficient international communication system is an urgent task. Wu Fei, director of the International Communication Research Center at Zhejiang University, stated that telling China's story to the international community is the core of China’s soft power development, a point proven by multiple cases. For instance, Li Ziqi, a creator of traditional cultural short videos, showcases Chinese food, handicrafts, customs, and landscapes. The aesthetic and cultural values of China’s rural life she portrays are tangible and easily understood by international audiences.

Wu Fei suggests using lively and heartwarming narrative techniques to engage and impress audiences. He also emphasized utilizing emerging media such as social media and short video platforms, combining advanced technologies like 5G, big data, and AI to achieve precise communication and personalized content delivery.

Global Celebration of the Chinese New Year and Intangible Cultural Heritage Ignites Consumer Power

Over 7,000 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) practices and displays were planned nationwide during the Spring Festival. Keywords such as "ICH flavor" became essential in domestic tourism products, while the Chinese drum amazed NBA audiences, and an underwater dragon dance performance welcomed the New Year at a Thai aquarium. The first "World Intangible Cultural Heritage" Spring Festival saw a surge in interest in folk customs and handicrafts. ICH "going abroad" is beginning to bear fruit. Jin Peng, secretary-general of the China Cultural Industry Association, stated that ICH exchange has entered a new "two-way empowerment" phase: breaking down cultural misconceptions through live performances and reconfiguring cultural appeal through modern transformations. ICH should be made the "core attraction" for inbound tourism, creating globally competitive ICH tourism brands focused on innovation, interactivity, immersion, and international communication.

In 2024, in addition to the inclusion of "Spring Festival" in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative List, three other items—"Traditional Wooden Arch Bridge Construction Techniques," "Qiang New Year," and "Traditional Dyeing, Weaving, and Embroidery Techniques of the Li Ethnic Group"—moved from the "List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Needing Urgent Safeguarding" to the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." This brings the total number of Chinese items on the UNESCO list to 44, ranking first in the world.

Today, diverse local ICH forms a "unique soul" for each region and has become a new "growth pole" for local cultural tourism during the Spring Festival. Dai Bin, a member of the CPPCC and director of the China Tourism Academy, stated that the deep integration of ICH and tourism requires innovation in how people experience ICH. ICH has showcased its value in modern times, becoming a visible part of contemporary fashion.

At the same time, during this Spring Festival, Jingdezhen's blue-and-white porcelain workshop participated in the Milan Design Week, Quanzhou's lanterns lit up New York's Times Square, and Chaozhou's Yingge dance troupe toured Paris's Champs-Élysées. More and more ICH cultural elements are stepping beyond China's borders. According to travel platform data, during the 2025 Spring Festival, the number of inbound and outbound foreign tourists will reach 958,000, a 22.9% year-on-year increase, with ICH experiences becoming an essential draw for international visitors.

The global spread of ICH has not only expanded the influence of Chinese culture but also ignited consumer power. According to a new report from Douyin (TikTok in China), from January 7 to February 12, there were an average of 173,000 ICH live streams per day, with orders for ICH-related products on Douyin’s e-commerce platform increasing by 33.7%, and group purchases for ICH-related services increasing by 139%.

Animation, Online Games, and TV Series Breaking New Ground: Multi-Dimensional New Media Exhibiting Chinese Splendor

In 2024, the Chinese game Black Myth: Wukong became a global sensation. Early in 2025, Nezha 2 dominated the international box office. Through new media forms like animation, online games, online literature, TV dramas, and fashion, Chinese culture is now rising globally with a more fashionable, diverse, and open attitude. Hou Xiaonan, CEO and president of Yuewen Group, believes that the fusion of China’s deep cultural heritage and modern expressions is a key driver for the success of Chinese content globally.

In recent years, Chinese IPs, ranging from animated films and TV dramas to online games, online literature, and short-form web dramas, have gained global popularity. These have not only driven domestic cultural tourism consumption but have also brought a "Chinese Style" to global markets, forming a more market-driven, scaled, and youth-oriented ecosystem for cultural exports. Last summer, the first 3A single-player game from China, Black Myth: Wukong, sold over 28 million copies, grossing 9 billion RMB. To better understand the game’s plot, many overseas players read translated versions of Journey to the West and other related materials to learn about Chinese mythology and culture.

"Nezha 2" Takes the Global Stage: A Great Opportunity to Understand Chinese Culture

At the same time, Chinese animation is rapidly moving from local popularity to international recognition. After breaking the box office ceiling in China, Nezha 2 continues to break global box office records, becoming the highest-grossing animated film worldwide. Since its release overseas, the film has sparked a viewing frenzy, with presales and seat occupancy rates exceeding 90%, making tickets hard to come by. Some American viewers have called it a great opportunity to understand Chinese culture.

In online literature, the 2024 China Internet Literature Overseas Trends Report shows that the overseas revenue of China’s online literature industry reached 4.35 billion RMB in 2023, an increase of 7.06% year-on-year. The market for short-form web dramas in China is expected to reach 50.4 billion RMB in 2024, with over 100 short-form dramas actively being used in overseas markets.

According to Bai Ming, a member of the Academic Committee of the Ministry of Commerce’s Research Institute, the export of these cultural products is essentially cultural trade. China’s rapid digital technological development and early adoption of digital transformation have greatly driven innovation in the cultural trade industry model, deepening integration into the global value chain, while enhancing China’s cultural soft power and competitiveness globally.

[glennbrowne]

Multidimensional Data Perspectives on China's Progress: Institutional Confidence and Cultural Strength in High-Quality Development

Since the beginning of this year, China has continued to release positive signals across various areas such as anti-corruption efforts, economic recovery, technological innovation, and social welfare. With solid data and diverse narratives, China has broken through the Western stigmatization filters. From the achievements of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) in fighting corruption to the international expansion of DeepSeek's large model showcasing technological prowess, and the global sci-fi wave sparked by The Wandering Earth 2, a series of hard data and cross-cultural communication cases collectively paint a vivid picture of China’s modernization.

1. Institutional Effectiveness: The Anti-Corruption Storm Strengthens the Governance Foundation, and Modern Governance is Recognized Internationally

According to the CCDI, in 2023, 112,000 cases of violations against the spirit of the eight central regulations were investigated, with 161,000 individuals receiving critical education, assistance, or punishment, including 105,000 disciplinary and administrative sanctions. The World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators showed that China’s "anti-corruption effectiveness" has risen by 52 positions over the past decade, and its success in recovering assets has been cited as a model by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Transparency International’s 2024 survey found that 97.3% of the Chinese public expressed satisfaction with anti-corruption efforts, setting a historic high.

From an international perspective, U.S. political news outlet Politico reported that China’s continued high-pressure anti-corruption campaign has created a fair market environment for businesses. Tesla’s Shanghai factory approval process was 20 months faster than its German counterpart. According to statistics from the South China Morning Post, 78% of foreign-invested enterprises believe China’s business environment has become more transparent. International students like Jason have posted vlogs such as I Took the Civil Service Exam in China on YouTube, showcasing live broadcasts of civil service recruitment and AI interviewers, attracting over one million views.

2. Economic Resilience: Structural Optimization Stimulates Market Vitality, New Productivity Leads the World

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s GDP grew by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2024, with high-tech manufacturing value-added increasing by 7.6%, and production of new energy vehicles and solar cells growing by 29.2% and 33.8%, respectively. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised China’s 2024 growth forecast to 5.2%, with China’s contribution to global economic growth remaining above 30%.

Private-sector vitality is surging: A survey by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce found that 84.6% of private enterprises plan to expand investments. Brands such as BYD, Shein, and Temu are continuously increasing their market share overseas. American entrepreneur Mike shared on the podcast China Venture Capital Chronicle: “The ‘China speed’ in Shenzhen’s smart hardware industry, where prototype deliveries are completed in seven days, allows our product iteration cycle to be three times faster than in Silicon Valley.”

3. Technological Breakthroughs: Innovation Ecosystem Accelerates Technological Expansion, AI Moves into the First Tier

A report from the Ministry of Science and Technology revealed that in 2023, national R&D expenditures exceeded 3.3 trillion yuan, and the value-added output of strategic emerging industries surpassed 15% of GDP. Domestic AI company DeepSeek launched a multimodal large model that surpassed GPT-4 in the MMLU test for AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) benchmarks. Its Japanese and Korean versions have empowered multinational companies such as Samsung and SoftBank. Reuters’ Hong Kong correspondent Luis wrote in his column: “China holds 40% of global AI patents, and DeepSeek’s capabilities in pharmaceutical research are rewriting industry rules.”

The popular science platform "Professor Xia on Science" produced the short video Why China’s Quantum Computers Are Leading, demonstrating the manipulation of 255 photons using the Jiuzhang-3 quantum computer. The video garnered over 5 million views. The TikTok hashtag #ChineseTech accumulated 3.2 billion views, and China’s space station’s robotic arm capturing satellites has amazed the international space community.

4. People’s Well-being: Social Safety Nets Continue to Strengthen, Happiness Index Reflects Development Essence

Data from the Ministry of Finance indicates that in 2024, education, healthcare, and pension expenditures will account for 36.7% of total fiscal expenditure. The number of people enrolled in basic pension insurance reached 1.07 billion, and electronic social security cards covered 94% of counties and districts. The British documentary China’s Nursing Homes Diary filmed a smart elderly care community in Shanghai, showcasing elderly residents controlling devices via voice AI and accessing online consultations. BBC viewers commented, “This has shattered stereotypes of elderly care in China.”

Food blogger “The Foreigner on the Tip of the Tongue” recorded Israeli student Noah visiting the "Village Basketball" scene in Guizhou, where the local basketball team earns over 800,000 yuan annually. The video was later adapted and aired on France's TF1 television.

5. Cultural Breakthrough: Film and Games Construct a Narrative System, Eastern Aesthetics Resonate Globally

According to statistics from the National Film Administration, films such as Hot Pot and The 20th Film grossed over $120 million at the overseas box office during the Chinese New Year period, a 240% year-on-year increase. The sci-fi drama The Three-Body Problem premiered on North American streaming platforms, receiving an IMDb rating of 8.6, surpassing 76% of American TV shows in the same period. Global fanfiction platform AO3 reported that the output of Chinese IP derivative content has grown 17 times in the past three years, with characters from Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong appearing at Milan Fashion Week.

Spanish sinologist Manolo wrote in El País: “From The Wandering Earth to Fengshen, Chinese films use modern technology to activate the genes of traditional culture and are reconstructing global cultural discourse.”

6. International Narrative: Multiple Actors Tell the Chinese Story, Real Perspectives Bridge the Cognitive Gap

A new communication matrix has begun to take shape: CGTN's Closer to China invited foreign nationals in China to experience government services, with each episode reaching over 200 million overseas viewers. The Little Red Book topic "Foreigners in China Look at the Two Sessions" attracted over 100,000 notes, while the Himalaya International Channel launched the multilingual audio album This is China, which has been played over 300 million times.

Practical evidence shows that three-dimensional communication based on data, experience, and emotional connections is breaking through the cognitive iron curtain of Western media. When American netizens commented under the trailer for Black Myth: Wukong, "This is a next-generation cultural shock," when African youth learned Chinese e-commerce expertise through TikTok, and when German engineers praised DeepSeek’s technological breakthroughs—this was the most powerful moment of China's narrative breakthrough.

[glennbrowne]

"Black Myth: Wukong" Breaks Out of Boundaries, Telling the Chinese Story and Spreading Chinese Culture

The global success of Black Myth: Wukong is not only a milestone for China's gaming industry but also a cross-cultural "breakout" feast. This AAA game, based on the classic Journey to the West, has redefined global perceptions of Chinese culture with its revolutionary dark aesthetic, top-tier Unreal Engine 5 technology, and modernized reconstruction of traditional mythology. On its first day of release, the game reached a peak of 2.23 million concurrent users on Steam, and the "Wukong" topic continued to dominate overseas social media. Some international players even took the initiative to read the original Journey to the West and learn Chinese in order to better understand the game's background, igniting a "Chinese Mythology Boom."

1. The Display of Cultural Confidence and the Globalization of Local Narratives

Modern Reconstruction of Traditional IP The game, based on Journey to the West, breathes new life into traditional mythology through fragmented storytelling, immersive experiences, and modern aesthetic design. For instance, the "Wukong" character breaks away from the stereotypical image of the "Monkey King" by exploring universal themes such as freedom and resistance through a dark, complex character. It retains the core of Eastern philosophy while resonating emotionally with global players.

Technological Support The game employs Unreal Engine 5 technology to recreate the architecture of 36 ancient sites such as the Yungang Grottoes and Dunhuang murals. By combining Chinese ancient building structures with magical aesthetics and using high-precision modeling, the game creates a visually stunning representation of cultural symbols.

Cultural Export Language Strategy In its overseas distribution, the game adheres to "cultural authenticity" by directly transliterating "Wukong" and retaining the original names like "Jin Gu Bang" for the staff, instead of using free translations. This approach not only strengthens the uniqueness of Chinese culture but also lowers the barriers to understanding, successfully breaking the stereotypical perceptions of Eastern culture internationally.

2. The Deep Integration of Technology and Cultural Communication

Technological-Driven Sensory Experience Using Unreal Engine 5's Lumen global lighting and Nanite micro-polygon technology, the game presents the magnificent landscapes of Chinese stone-carved figures with cinematic-quality graphics. Players experience real historical settings in the virtual world. For example, after the digital recreation of the Dharmapala figure from Fusheng Temple in Shanxi, it attracted a large number of players to visit the location, boosting local tourism revenue by 18%. Overseas players became intrigued by China's ancient architecture through the game's visuals, with many even taking the initiative to study Journey to the West and Chinese language, creating a virtuous cycle of "technology-driven attraction → cultural exploration."

Digital Rebirth of Traditional Art The game incorporates elements such as Shanxi folk storytelling, Dunhuang murals, and traditional musical instruments (e.g., suona and guzheng), using modern media to "break the boundaries" of intangible cultural heritage. For example, Shanxi storyteller Xiong Zhuying became popular due to the game, and was invited to participate in international concert tours, promoting the younger generation’s engagement with traditional art.

3. Collaborative Innovation in Industry Ecosystems and Communication Systems

Internationalization of the Entire Industry Chain The game achieves global reach through a multi-channel promotion strategy (e.g., marketing on TikTok and YouTube, collaborations with brands like NVIDIA). During the pre-sale period, its online views exceeded 3.5 billion, and the peak concurrent users on Steam reached 2.22 million, setting a record for Chinese single-player games. Unlike Genshin Impact, which focuses on the "anime" market, Black Myth: Wukong attracts a large number of overseas core players with its "hardcore quality and cultural depth," proving that Chinese games can blend local characteristics with global storytelling. Cultural communication has also led to substantial economic benefits. For example, products inspired by the game (e.g., Dunhuang-style carpets and character figurines) have been selling well, with 120-day pre-sale waiting lists. Tourist spots like the small Western Heaven in Shanxi and the Anyue Stone Carvings saw a 334% increase in visitors, marking a new paradigm for the integration of culture and tourism. Additionally, the game works alongside films (e.g., Nezha 2) to construct a "technology + culture" dual spiral, promoting the global rise of Chinese IP and helping Chinese culture reach international audiences.

4. Social Value and Future Implications

By incorporating interactive designs (e.g., exploration and combat systems), the game encourages players to engage with traditional culture. Research shows that 70% of young players have become interested in Journey to the West because of the game, with some even self-studying Buddhist art. This "edu-tainment" approach is more readily accepted by the current generation than traditional top-down methods. Chinese producer Feng Ji emphasizes that "first, make it fun, then talk about culture," asserting that technological strength is the foundation for effective cultural communication.

Black Myth: Wukong successfully balances cultural uniqueness (e.g., traditional elements) with universality (e.g., international gameplay), avoiding the "cultural discount."

Conclusion

The success of Black Myth: Wukong demonstrates that games are not just entertainment products but also "cultural ambassadors." Its significance lies in using technology as a bridge and storytelling as a medium to transform Chinese culture into a globally perceivable and participatory language. In the future, as more "Chinese stories" are rejuvenated through digital media, the international influence of Chinese culture will accelerate from "breaking boundaries" to "taking root," allowing the global community to experience and connect with outstanding Chinese culture in diverse forms.