China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 37 Week of 10 February 2025
(1) Alibaba pairs with Apple to develop AI features for China iPhones
The US tech giant wants Alibaba’s Qwen AI model to make up for loss of Apple Intelligence on its iPhones in China.
(2) Baidu to offer Ernie Bot service for free as DeepSeek heats up China’s AI market
Baidu will make its Ernie Bot AI platform free starting 1 April 2025, to compete with rising rivals like DeepSeek and Alibaba in China’s intensifying generative AI market.
(3) Beijing slams Taiwan’s ‘absurd’ DeepSeek ban, dismisses security fears
Taiwanese government driven by ‘fear of China’ and ‘anti-China’ mentality, and using information security as an excuse, Beijing says.
(4) Universal makes another head-turning move in China, signing local legend Liu Huan
Universal Music Group has signed Chinese music legend Liu Huan to expand its presence in China and promote local talent.
(5) Zhang Ziyi Celebrates 46th Birthday with Daughter on Ski Trip in Japan
Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi marked her 46th birthday by skiing in Japan with her daughter, while fans also revisited her illustrious film career and high-profile personal life.
(6) Warner Bros. to Anchor Shanghai’s First “Harry Potter Studio Tour” in Historic Theme Park Revamp
Warner Bros. will lead the creation of China’s first “Harry Potter Studio Tour” in Shanghai, aiming to transform the city’s Jinjiang Amusement Park into a global cultural destination.
(7) China’s lottery sales see biggest year ever as games become “more fun”
China’s lottery sales hit a record 623.5 billion yuan in 2024, driven by younger generations and innovative formats, supporting welfare and sports projects.
(8) Zheng Qinwen Crashes Out of Doha Open in Second Round After Shock Loss to Jabeur
China’s top-ranked tennis star Zheng Qinwen suffered a straight-sets defeat to Tunisian veteran Ons Jabeur in her first post-Australian Open appearance, exiting the WTA 1000 Doha event early.
(9) Hong Kong Basel Art Fair 2025 to Open in March with 240 Global Galleries
Asia’s premier art event returns to Hong Kong, spotlighting regional talent and fostering cultural exchange through exhibitions, public programs, and collaborations.
(10) CCTV Lantern Festival Gala Reaches 459 Million Views, Showcasing Chinese Festive Joy Globally
The 2025 CCTV Lantern Festival Gala captivated 459 million viewers worldwide, blending cultural heritage with modern innovation to celebrate China’s Spring Festival traditions.
(11) Emperor Entertainment Group Hosts Star-Studded Lunar New Year Celebration
Chairman Albert Yeung leads Emperor Entertainment’s annual Lunar New Year gathering, celebrating box office success and new ventures with artists like Bobby Au-Yeung and Vincy Chan.
(12) ‘Ne Zha 2: The Devil’s Fury’ Tops Global Box Office with $1.5B, Shattering Records
China’s animated blockbuster becomes the first Asian film to rank among the top 3 highest-grossing animated movies globally, surpassing Hollywood giants like Super Mario Bros. Movie.
(1) Alibaba pairs with Apple to develop AI features for China iPhones
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
Alibaba Group Holding has teamed up with Apple to develop AI features for iPhones in China, leveraging its Qwen AI model to compensate for the absence of Apple’s proprietary “Apple Intelligence” in the region. According to sources cited by The Information, Apple chose Alibaba due to Qwen’s advanced capabilities, aiming to enhance iPhone appeal in the world’s largest smartphone market. The collaboration underscores Alibaba’s growing credibility in AI, following its recent release of Qwen 2.5 Max, which reportedly outperforms rivals like OpenAI’s GPT-4o.
Apple’s partnership with Alibaba addresses regulatory and competitive challenges in China, where local AI models are mandated for compliance. Analysts, including Morningstar’s Chelsey Lam, note the deal validates Alibaba’s AI prowess and could reignite iPhone demand amid declining sales. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the alliance positions Alibaba as a key player in global tech collaborations, potentially attracting more partnerships.
The tie-up highlights Apple’s reliance on local partners to navigate China’s strict tech regulations. For Alibaba, the deal marks a strategic win in its rivalry with domestic AI leaders like Baidu and Tencent. As Apple integrates Qwen into features such as Siri and photo editing tools, the partnership could set a precedent for Western tech firms seeking compliant AI solutions in China, balancing innovation with geopolitical constraints.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3298282/alibaba-pairs-apple-develop-ai-features-china-iphones-sources
(2) Baidu to offer Ernie Bot service for free as DeepSeek heats up China’s AI market
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)
Baidu announced that its Ernie Bot service, including access to its large language models (LLMs), will no longer charge fees for desktop and mobile users, citing reduced inference costs and technological upgrades. The move comes amid growing pressure from competitors such as DeepSeek, a Beijing-based AI startup, and Alibaba, which has advanced its own models. Baidu aims to expand adoption of its Ernie LLMs, which power generative AI tools like the mobile app “Wenxiaoyan,” as it seeks to maintain its foothold in China’s crowded AI sector.
The company simultaneously launched “Deep Search,” an enhanced feature offering expert-level responses across complex scenarios, which will also be free. This follows CEO Robin Li Yanhong’s recent prediction of exponential growth in AI applications in 2025. By eliminating fees, Baidu hopes to attract developers and enterprises to build on its platform, mirroring strategies used by global players like OpenAI.
Baidu’s pricing shift reflects the fierce competition in China’s AI market, where firms are racing to monetize LLMs while balancing costs. DeepSeek’s rapid innovation and Alibaba’s aggressive investments have challenged Baidu’s early lead. Analysts warn that free access could spark price wars, squeezing smaller players but potentially accelerating industry-wide adoption. As tech giants and startups vie for dominance, Baidu’s move underscores the high stakes in China’s bid to rival U.S. AI advancements.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3298568/baidu-offer-ernie-bot-service-free-deepseek-heats-chinas-ai-market?module=top_story&pgtype=section
(3) Beijing slams Taiwan’s ‘absurd’ DeepSeek ban, dismisses security fears
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
Beijing has criticized Taiwan’s recent ban on the Chinese app DeepSeek, calling it “absurd” and dismissing Taiwan’s security concerns as unfounded. Taiwan’s government had banned the app, citing potential security risks and data privacy issues. The app, which allows users to search for and access various types of content, was seen by Taiwanese authorities as a threat to national security.
In response, Chinese officials argued that the ban was politically motivated and aimed at stoking anti-China sentiment. They emphasized that DeepSeek is a legitimate app used by millions of people worldwide and that the security concerns raised by Taiwan were exaggerated. Beijing urged Taiwan to lift the ban and focus on fostering better cross-strait relations instead of creating unnecessary barriers.
The ban on DeepSeek is part of a broader trend of increasing tensions between China and Taiwan. As Taiwan continues to assert its independence and strengthen its security measures, China views these actions as provocations. The situation highlights the ongoing geopolitical struggle in the region and the challenges in maintaining stability and cooperation between the two sides.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3298357/beijing-slams-taiwans-absurd-deepseek-ban-dismisses-security-fears?module=top_story&pgtype=homepage
(4) Universal makes another head-turning move in China, signing local legend Liu Huan
(Photo Credit: Music Business Worldwide)
Universal Music Group (UMG) has made a significant move in China by signing Liu Huan, a renowned local music legend. This strategic partnership aims to expand UMG’s presence in the Chinese market and leverage Liu Huan’s influence to promote local talent and music. Liu Huan, known for his contributions to Chinese pop music and his role as a mentor on “The Voice of China,” brings a wealth of experience and a strong fan base to UMG.
The collaboration is part of UMG’s broader strategy to invest in local artists and music scenes worldwide. By signing Liu Huan, UMG hopes to tap into the growing Chinese music market and foster the development of new artists. This move aligns with UMG’s goal of becoming a leading player in the global music industry by supporting diverse musical talents and expanding its reach in key markets.
Liu Huan expressed his excitement about the partnership, highlighting the opportunities it presents for both established and emerging artists in China. He believes that UMG’s resources and expertise will help elevate Chinese music to new heights and bring it to a global audience. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for UMG as it continues to strengthen its presence in Asia and support the growth of the local music industry.
News Source: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-makes-another-head-turning-move-in-china-signing-local-legend-liu-huan/
(5) Zhang Ziyi Celebrates 46th Birthday with Daughter on Ski Trip in Japan
(Photo Credit: Zhang Ziyi / Weibo)
On 9 February 2025, Zhang Ziyi celebrated her 46th birthday by taking her daughter, Xingxing, on a ski trip to Japan. The actress shared glimpses of their mother-daughter bonding, which quickly went viral online. Fans praised the heartwarming scenes, noting Zhang’s dedication to balancing family life with her career despite her 2023 divorce from musician Wang Feng.
Born in 1979, Zhang Ziyi rose to fame with roles in iconic films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) and Memoirs of a Geisha (2005). She became the first Chinese actress nominated for a Golden Globe Award and earned accolades such as the Hong Kong Film Award and Golden Horse Award. Her work in The Grandmaster (2013) solidified her status as a global cinema icon. She has also served as a jury member at prestigious festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Tokyo.
Zhang’s romantic history has drawn significant public attention. She dated billionaire Vivi Nevo and CCTV host Sa Beining before marrying Wang Feng in 2015. The couple welcomed two children but divorced in 2023. Since then, Zhang has focused on parenting and her career, recently appearing at the 2024 Venice Film Festival as a jury member. Her Japan trip shows her commitment to family amid ongoing speculation about her personal and professional future.
(6) Warner Bros. to Anchor Shanghai’s First “Harry Potter Studio Tour” in Historic Theme Park Revamp
(Photo credit: Jinjiang International Group)
Warner Bros. has partnered with Shanghai’s Jinjiang International Group to develop the “Warner Bros. Studio Tour Shanghai – The Making of Harry Potter,” slated to open in 2027. The 53,000-square-meter attraction, part of a major overhaul of the 1984-built Jinjiang Amusement Park, will feature original film sets, costumes, and interactive exhibits. Warner Bros. will oversee creative direction, leveraging its expertise from existing studio tours in London and Tokyo. The project, pending approvals, underscores the studio’s strategy to expand its global themed entertainment footprint, particularly in Asia’s booming tourism markets.
Warner Bros.’ involvement is central to Jinjiang Amusement Park’s revival, which closed in January 2025 for renovations. The Harry Potter studio will anchor the park’s transformation, alongside a rebuilt “Shanghai Giant Wheel” Ferris wheel. The collaboration aims to blend Warner Bros.’ blockbuster IP with local cultural tourism goals, targeting a tripling of annual visitors to 2 million post-reopening.
The Shanghai project aligns with Warner Bros.’ broader ambitions to capitalize on Asia’s demand for immersive entertainment. By integrating globally recognized franchises like Harry Potter into key urban hubs, the studio seeks to strengthen its regional influence. Jinjiang International highlighted Warner Bros.’ role in creating “shared cultural spaces” that appeal to both residents and international tourists, reinforcing Shanghai’s status as a gateway for Western IP in China.
News Source: http://www.sh.xinhuanet.com/20250213/2f2d5e4e769c404d9384db223d7565e6/c.html
(7) China’s lottery sales see biggest year ever as games become “more fun”
(Photo Credit: Simon Song)
China’s lottery sales surged to a historic 623.5 billion yuan (US$82 billion) in 2024, marking the first time annual revenue exceeded 600 billion yuan since the lottery system began 40 years ago. The 7.6% year-on-year growth reflects sustained momentum, driven by younger generations embracing the “experience economy,” where the thrill of participation outweighs the slim odds of winning. Notable payouts, such as a 28-year-old in Guizhou province winning 680 million yuan, have further fueled enthusiasm.
Analysts attribute the surge to innovative and diversified lottery formats that make games “more fun,” attracting a broader audience. Bob Chen of Mangrove Capital noted that modern lottery stands have become popular mall attractions, blending entertainment with low-stakes risk. The trend aligns with a broader shift in consumer behavior, where even amid economic challenges, people view lotteries as affordable leisure activities rather than mere gambling.
Lottery revenue supports China’s welfare system and sports industry, with funds allocated to public projects, administrative costs, and prizes. State media emphasizes the sector’s role in social development, governed by strict management rules. While Hong Kong’s largest jackpot (HK$188 million) pales in comparison to mainland payouts, the mainland’s record sales underscore its unique blend of economic resilience and cultural appeal.
(8) Zheng Qinwen Crashes Out of Doha Open in Second Round After Shock Loss to Jabeur
(Photo Credit: Tencent)
Zheng Qinwen, the world No. 8 and seventh seed in Doha, fell 4-6, 2-6 to Jabeur (ranked 35th) in a match marked by uncharacteristic errors and fading momentum. This marked Zheng’s first loss to Jabeur in their three career meetings. The Chinese star, still recovering from a leg injury sustained during her Australian Open second-round exit to Germany’s Laura Siegemund, struggled to maintain consistency despite an early 3-1 lead in the first set.
Zheng started strong, breaking Jabeur in the opening game, but the Tunisian quickly leveled at 1-1. Zheng rebuilt a 3-1 advantage with a break and hold, only to unravel as Jabeur won three consecutive games. Though Zheng clawed back to 4-4, Jabeur sealed the first set with another break. The second set saw Zheng’s form plummet further: she dropped five straight games, trailing 1-5 before a brief rally. Jabeur closed out the match decisively, capitalizing on Zheng’s 32 unforced errors.
The loss raises concerns about Zheng’s physical readiness and mental resilience after her injury-marred Australian Open campaign. Jabeur advances to face American Sofia Kenin in the third round, while Zheng must regroup ahead of upcoming tournaments. Fans and analysts alike will watch whether China’s top player can rediscover the form that propelled her to the 2024 Australian Open final.
News Source: https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20250211A093A000?scene=qb_ranking&suid=&media_id=
(9) Hong Kong Basel Art Fair 2025 to Open in March with 240 Global Galleries
(Photo Credit: Hong Kong Basel Art Fair)
The 2025 Hong Kong Basel Art Fair will take place from 28 to 30 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), with preview days on March 26–27. Featuring 240 galleries from 42 countries – over half from the Asia-Pacific region—the fair emphasizes its role as a cultural nexus beyond commerce. New collaborations include a commissioned light installation by Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen at M+ Museum’s facade and the debut of the “MGM Discoveries Art Prize” to support emerging artists.
The fair’s core sections include Galleries (showcasing established names like Dubai’s Lawrie Shabibi and Hong Kong’s Rossi & Rossi), Discoveries (highlighting rising talents), and Insights (curated projects from Asia-Pacific artists). Twenty-three first-time participants, spanning Cape Town to Melbourne, join the roster, while 32 galleries with Hong Kong spaces underscore the city’s local-global dynamic. “This year’s lineup solidifies our role as a cultural crossroads for Asia’s thriving art scene,” said Angelle Siyang-Le, Hong Kong Basel’s Director.
Public engagement is amplified through Encounters, an outdoor installation zone featuring 18 large-scale works, including Monster Chetwynd’s Lanternfly Ballet at Pacific Place. The Kabinett section will host 36 thematic exhibitions, a record high, focusing on Asian contemporary and historical artists. Free programs like film screenings (Film), panel talks (Conversations), and workshops (Exchange Circle) will run alongside partner exhibitions at M+ Museum, Tai Kwun, and Hong Kong Art Museum, offering citywide cultural immersion.
News Source: https://m.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_30148229
(10) CCTV Lantern Festival Gala Reaches 459 Million Views, Showcasing Chinese Festive Joy Globally
(Photo Credit: CCTV News)
The 2025 CCTV Lantern Festival Gala aired on 12 February, featuring dazzling performances inspired by Chinese intangible cultural heritage. Trending topics like “#元宵晚会好看#” (The Lantern Gala is Amazing) and “#哪吒敖丙上元宵晚会了#” (Nezha and Ao Bing Appear at the Gala) dominated social media, with 168 hashtags trending nationwide. Audiences praised the show’s artistic design, music, and fusion of tradition with creativity, commenting, “Watching the gala still feels like Lunar New Year” and “The warmth and grandeur resonate deeply.”
The gala achieved a cross-media live broadcast reach of 459 million views, marking a 30% increase from 2024. TV viewership rose 12% to 189 million, while online streams jumped 47% to 270 million. Over 1,500 large screens in 100+ Chinese cities broadcast the event in 8K ultra-HD via the “Hundred Cities, Thousand Screens” initiative. The program highlighted China’s Spring Festival as a “non-legacy cultural showcase,” reinforcing its role as a global window into Chinese traditions.
CGTN promoted the gala in 82 languages, while international partners like Russia’s Greater Asia TV, the U.S.’s Telemundo, and Hungary’s National Television aired highlights. Promotional content appeared on 1,884 public screens across 16 countries, including Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. The event’s global reach underscored its mission to share China’s festive spirit, fostering cross-cultural appreciation through joyous celebrations of family reunion and cultural pride.
News Source: https://finance.sina.cn/2025-02-13/detail-inekivrz1696141.d.html?vt=4&cid=76729&node_id=76729
(11) Emperor Entertainment Group Hosts Star-Studded Lunar New Year Celebration
(Photo Credit: Singtao Daily News)
Emperor Entertainment Group held its annual Lunar New Year banquet on February 7, 2025, with Chairman Albert Yeung Sau-shing hosting a star-studded lineup including veteran actor Bobby Au-Yeung, singer Vincy Chan (泳兒), actress Irene Wan (溫碧霞), and newcomers like Angus Yeung and Ailey Chan. The event celebrated the company’s recent achievements, notably the horror film Breaking the Curse (破•地獄), which grossed over HK$160 million, becoming Hong Kong’s highest-grossing local production. Yeung kicked off the festivities with a lucky draw, energizing the crowd.
Bobby Au-Yeung, who joined Emperor Entertainment in 2024, shared his excitement about participating in the company’s New Year event for the first time. He highlighted his unexpected venture into mainland China’s music variety show Infinity and Beyond (聲生不息), where he performed classic TVB drama theme songs. “I never imagined I’d sing on such a stage—it was nerve-wracking but thrilling,” he said. Au-Yeung also expressed hopes for “health, happiness, and peace” in the Year of the Snake.
Singer Vincy Chan, a veteran at Emperor, humorously embraced her role as a “senior sister” at the event, handing out red envelopes while promoting her latest single Sugar-Free Coke (無糖可樂). She toasted guests with the beverage, aligning the campaign with the festive mood. Meanwhile, newcomers like Kayan Sham and Jason Lai mingled with established stars, symbolizing the company’s blend of legacy and fresh talent. The gathering underscored Emperor’s momentum as it continues to expand its entertainment empire.
News Source: https://std.stheadline.com/sc/daily/article/2657149/日報-娛樂-楊受成率英皇藝人團拜
(12) ‘Ne Zha 2: The Devil’s Fury’ Tops Global Box Office with $1.5B, Shattering Records
(Photo Credit: China News)
Ne Zha 2: The Devil’s Fury (哪吒之魔童闹海) has grossed over 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) globally, securing its place as the third-highest-grossing animated film worldwide and the first non-Hollywood entry in the top 3. Domestically, it shattered records with 6.792 billion yuan ($1 billion), overtaking The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021) to become China’s highest-grossing film ever. The movie also dethroned Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) as the highest-earning film in a single market globally.
Director Yang Yu (Jiaozi) now ranks third in China’s all-time director earnings, trailing only Chen Sicheng (Detective Chinatown series) and Jia Ling (Hi, Mom). If Ne Zha 2 surpasses 10.5 billion yuan ($1.58 billion), Jiaozi will claim the top spot. The film’s success—fueled by its Lunar New Year release—has earned accolades like “highest single-day animation gross in China” and “highest-grossing animated film globally in 2025.”
The sequel to 2019’s Ne Zha blends cutting-edge animation with Chinese mythology, reimagining the classic tale of the rebellious deity. Its international poster tagline, “I’ll carve my own path,” mirrors its record-breaking journey. Critics praise its fusion of traditional elements—like ink-painting aesthetics and folklore themes—with modern storytelling, cementing its role in showcasing China’s cultural soft power. As the film continues its global rollout, it sets a new benchmark for homegrown animated epics.
News Source: https://www.chinanews.com.cn/cul/2025/02-13/10368422.shtml
