China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 41 Week of 10 March 2025
(1) Donnie Yen Clashes with Taiwanese Media Over Cross-Strait Unity
Donnie Yen condemned Taiwanese media for “provocative” questions about penalties for artists supporting China’s “One China” policy, stressing national unity amid rising cross-strait tensions.
(2) Chinese Actress Liu Yifei and Huawei Executive Richard Yu Deny Romance Rumors
Liu Yifei and Huawei’s Richard Yu denied dating rumors sparked by social media interactions, attributing the speculation to potential brand collaboration discussions.
(3) Chinese Actor Jin Dong Demands Stricter AI Laws to Combat Deepfake Scams
Chinese actor Jin Dong advocates for tougher AI laws after deepfake scams exploiting his image targeted fans, revealing gaps in regulating synthetic media.
(4) Hong Kong actor Daniel Wu Launches US$55 Oral English Course with Interactive Sessions
Daniel Wu leverages his bilingual background to launch an affordable, interactive English course aimed at enhancing fans’ speaking skills and global communication.
(5) AI Agent Manus Partners with Alibaba’s Qwen to Develop Chinese Version
Butterfly Effect’s AI agent Manus teams up with Alibaba’s Qwen to tailor its autonomous task-execution capabilities for Chinese users, marking a strategic push in China’s competitive AI landscape.
(6) Hong Kong Veteran Actor Ha Chun-Chiu, Father of Sandra Ng, Passes Away at 93
Sandra Ng mourns the death of her father, Ha Chun-Chiu, a revered actor and iconic “Mark Six” host, celebrating his legacy as a beloved entertainer and family man.
(7) Taiwanese Star Barbie Hsu’s NT$1 Billion Estate Sparks Complex Inheritance Battle
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu’s NT$1 billion estate faces a contentious inheritance process as her husband, DJ Koo Jun-yup, navigates steep taxes, depreciating property values, and legal challenges from her ex-husband Wang Xiaofei.
(8) Joey Yung Teases Kai Tak Concert Plans, Addresses Rumors at Jewelry Launch
Joey Yung announces Kai Tak concert ambitions, playfully deflects collaboration and romance rumors, and ties her jewelry launch to charity initiatives.
(9) Zhou Dongyu’s New Film Plains of Fire Sparks Mixed Reactions Amid Narrative Shifts
Zhou Dongyu’s new film Plains of Fire simplifies its acclaimed literary source into a crime-romance drama, earning praise for its moody visuals but criticism for diluted historical depth and narrative cohesion.
(10) Chinese Actress Zhao Wei Breaks Silence after Divorce Announcement
Zhao Wei breaks her social media silence with a cryptic post and fan interactions, signaling a potential comeback after divorce and years of controversy.
(11) Huang Xiaoming Denies Rumors of Gambling 1.03 Billion RMB in Macau
Huang Xiaoming dismisses explosive rumors of gambling away over 1 billion RMB in Macau with a witty social media retort, amid a frenzy of unverified celebrity debt allegations.
(12) Retired HK Actress Cherie Chung Captivates Fans During Recent Shopping Outing
Retired screen legend Cherie Chung delights fans with her humility and ageless poise during a casual shopping trip, underscoring her lasting appeal decades after leaving the spotlight.
(1) Donnie Yen Clashes with Taiwanese Media Over Cross-Strait Unity
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Hong Kong actor and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference member Donnie Yen rebuked Taiwanese reporters during a Beijing conference on 10 March 2025, emphasizing the necessity of national unity amid escalating tensions. Yen criticized questions about potential fines for Taiwanese artists supporting China’s stance on Taiwan’s status, calling the media’s motives “dishonest” and accusing them of “setting traps” for artists.
The confrontation followed Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s reiteration that Taiwan’s only United Nations designation is “Chinese Taiwan Province.” Many Taiwanese artists in mainland China publicly endorsed this view, prompting threats of penalties from Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council. Yen, visibly agitated, dismissed reporters’ inquiries as provocative, declaring, “Unity is definitely necessary,” before abruptly leaving the session.
Yen’s remarks underscore the intensifying pressure on public figures to align with Beijing’s unification agenda. His outburst reflects growing friction over Taiwan’s autonomy claims and China’s efforts to isolate dissenters. As cultural figures become pawns in geopolitical disputes, the incident highlights the challenges artists face navigating political loyalties in cross-strait dynamics.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/hk-actor-donnie-yen-stresses-necessity-of-unity-in-response-to-taiwanese-media-tensions/
(2) Chinese Actress Liu Yifei and Huawei Executive Richard Yu Deny Romance Rumors
(Photo Credit: Weibo@Liu Yifei)
Mainland Chinese actress Liu Yifei, 37, and Huawei executive Richard Yu Chengdong, 55, have dismissed speculation about a romantic relationship after online interactions sparked rumors. The speculation arose when Yu, Chairman of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group, posted a Women’s Day video on Weibo featuring a “yellow rose car” inspired by Huawei’s Luxeed i R7—a nod to Liu’s role as “Huang Yimei” (Yellow Rose) in the drama The Tale of Rose. Liu’s “like” on the post, coupled with her previous social media posts featuring yellow roses, fueled fan theories.
Yu publicly denied the rumors, stating to Titanium Media, “I’ve never even met her.” Sources suggest Liu may be in talks to become a brand ambassador for Huawei’s Luxeed cars, potentially explaining their online engagement. While neither party has confirmed a collaboration, the timing aligns with Huawei’s promotional strategies. Liu, known for her private persona, has only publicly dated South Korean actor Song Seung-heon, maintaining a scandal-free reputation.
The rumors trended widely, highlighting public fascination with celebrity ties. Fans debated whether the interactions hinted at romance or a business partnership. The incident underscores how casual online exchanges can escalate into viral speculation, particularly involving high-profile figures. For Huawei, leveraging Liu’s popularity could enhance Luxeed’s appeal, though the ambiguity risks overshadowing marketing efforts. Both parties now face balancing public curiosity with professional boundaries.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/chinese-actress-liu-yifei-and-huawei-executive-richard-yu-deny-romance-speculation/
(3) Chinese Actor Jin Dong Demands Stricter AI Laws to Combat Deepfake Scams
(Photo Credit: SCMP composite/Douyin/Weibo)
During China’s annual Two Sessions political meetings, actor Jin Dong, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), called for urgent legislation to regulate AI deepfake technologies after multiple fans were scammed by impersonators using his likeness. The 48-year-old star, popular among middle-aged women, highlighted cases where AI-generated videos of him promising money or romance deceived victims, including a 61-year-old woman who nearly divorced her husband and planned to travel 2,000km to meet the fake “Jin Dong.”
In 2020, one Jiangxi province woman became obsessed with AI-generated videos of Jin on social media, believing he would gift her a flat and ¥1 million ($140,000). Another victim lost savings to a scammer posing as Jin to promote fake investments. These incidents underscore how advanced deepfake tools exploit emotional connections to public figures, particularly targeting vulnerable demographics.
Jin urged mandatory “digital watermarks” on AI-generated content and stricter penalties for misuse. His appeal aligns with China’s 2023 interim AI regulations, which require platforms to label synthetic media. Authorities are drafting new laws to address evolving AI risks, emphasizing the need for public education to combat tech-savvy fraud.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3302055/chinese-actor-expresses-concern-over-ai-scams-impersonating-him-seeks-tougher-laws?module=top_story&pgtype=section
(4) Hong Kong actor Daniel Wu Launches US$55 Oral English Course with Interactive Sessions
(Photo Credit: SAM YEH/AFP/Getty Images)
US-born Hong Kong actor and filmmaker Daniel Wu has introduced a US$55 online oral English course in collaboration with Chinese edtech firm Gaotu. The course, accessible via Gaotu’s app, offers interactive sessions designed to teach authentic spoken English. Wu announced the initiative through his new social media account “Daniel Wu Teaches English,” which gained over 200,000 followers shortly after its 26 February launch.
Wu, 50, a California native known for his fluency in English and acclaimed film career, emphasized the language’s role in global connectivity. With over 60 films to his name, including New Police Story (2004) alongside Jackie Chan—a role that earned him a Golden Horse Award—Wu’s transition to education aligns with his reputation as a bilingual industry figure. The course targets Mandarin-speaking learners, blending practical speaking exercises with cultural insights.
The actor-director highlighted English as a lifelong tool for bridging cultural gaps, framing the course as both a professional and personal endeavor. The initiative has sparked widespread interest on Chinese social media, reflecting Wu’s expanding influence beyond entertainment.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3301545/hong-kong-actor-daniel-wu-launches-us55-oral-english-course-interactive-sessions?module=Trending%20in%20China&pgtype=section
(5) AI Agent Manus Partners with Alibaba’s Qwen to Develop Chinese Version
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock Images)
Chinese AI startup Butterfly Effect, backed by Tencent Holdings, has partnered with Alibaba’s Qwen large language model (LLM) team to develop a localized Chinese version of its general-purpose AI agent, Manus. Announced on 11 March 2025, the collaboration aims to adapt Manus’ capabilities to domestic computing platforms and models, ensuring full functionality for Chinese users. While no specific launch date was provided, both companies emphasized strategic cooperation to align with China’s tech ecosystem requirements.
Manus gained global attention after showcasing its ability to autonomously execute complex tasks—such as building customized websites—during an invitation-only preview. The AI agent, designed to create task plans using available resources, will leverage Alibaba’s Qwen open-source models to enhance its adaptability. Alibaba Cloud confirmed the partnership, highlighting plans to collaborate with more global AI innovators while focusing on localized solutions.
The move underscores intensifying competition in China’s AI sector, with major players like Alibaba and Tencent driving advancements in autonomous AI applications. As Manus expands its reach, the partnership positions Alibaba to strengthen its foothold in open-source AI development while addressing growing demand for practical, user-centric AI tools in China.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3301986/ai-agent-manus-partners-alibabas-qwen-develop-chinese-version
(6) Hong Kong Veteran Actor Ha Chun-Chiu, Father of Sandra Ng, Passes Away at 93
(Photo credit: Facebook)
Hong Kong actress Sandra Ng announced the passing of her father, Ha Chun-Chiu (also known as Ng Yiu-tung), on 11 March 2025, at the age of 93. In a heartfelt social media post, Ng shared nostalgic photos of her father and wrote, “My dearest dad has left us.” Fellow celebrities, including Myolie Wu and Gigi Leung, expressed condolences. Ha, a legendary figure in Hong Kong’s entertainment and lottery industries, was affectionately dubbed the “Godfather of Mark Six” for hosting the city’s lottery program for over 17 years.
Ha began his career as a clerk in a foreign firm before transitioning to acting in 1953. To support his family, he worked multiple jobs, including roles in nightclubs and as a hotel manager. He rejoined the entertainment industry in 1969, becoming a prolific character actor with over 100 film and TV credits, such as Modern Housewives and The Eighth Happiness. He also made a cameo in Ng’s film Golden Chicken 2. Despite his modest fame, Ha’s charisma and work ethic left a lasting legacy.
Ha’s personal life included a long marriage and three children. His eldest son, Ng Kwan-yiu, was briefly married to actress Elena Kong before their 2016 divorce, a situation Sandra Ng had kept private. Ha retired in Canada but remained close to family, last appearing publicly in a 2022 video shared by Ng. Known for his humor and resilience, Ha’s passing marks the end of an era for Hong Kong’s cultural landscape.
News Source: https://finance.sina.cn/2025-03-12/detail-inepkerr4709220.d.html?vt=4&pos=108
(7) Taiwanese Star Barbie Hsu’s NT$1 Billion Estate Sparks Complex Inheritance Battle
(Photo Credit: VOGUE)
Taiwanese actress-singer Barbie Hsu, 48, passed away in Japan from influenza and pneumonia complications, leaving an estate valued at approximately NT$1 billion (US$31.8 million). Her South Korean husband, DJ Koo (Koo Jun-yup), is poised to inherit the bulk of her assets, including two luxury apartments in Taipei’s Xinyi District. However, the properties’ current market value has halved to around NT$335 million (US$10.7 million) since their purchase.
Koo faces steep inheritance taxes exceeding NT$60 million (US$1.9 million), compounded by Hsu’s diverse wealth from endorsements, book royalties, and music sales, which once topped NT$80 million (US$2.5 million) annually. Under Taiwanese law, her estate must be shared among her spouse and two family members, likely triggering disputes. Hsu’s ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, has reportedly traveled to Taiwan to pursue legal claims, further complicating the process.
The case has captivated public attention, highlighting the challenges of high-value estate distribution in cross-border marriages. With assets depreciating and multiple claimants, the resolution may set precedents for Taiwanese inheritance law. As Hsu’s legacy intertwines with familial and legal tensions, the outcome remains uncertain, underscoring the delicate balance between personal wealth, familial obligations, and statutory mandates.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/husband-set-to-inherit-barbie-hsus-estate-estimated-at-nt1-billion-with-complications/
(8) Joey Yung Teases Kai Tak Concert Plans, Addresses Rumors at Jewelry Launch
(Photo Credit: on.cc)
Hong Kong singer Joey Yung unveiled her new jewelry collection, “SEE ME FLY,” at an event hosted by Emperor Entertainment CEO Albert Yeung. During a playful Q&A, Yung joked about preferring to collaborate with Kenny Kwan over Nicholas Tse for future campaigns, quipping, “I’d feel awkward getting too close to Tse—he might smack me with a wok!” She confirmed purchasing multiple tickets for Tse’s upcoming Kai Tak concerts and hinted at using “employee perks” to attend nightly.
Yung revealed plans to hold her own concert at Kai Tak Stadium in 2026, calling it her “top choice” venue after performing at its opening ceremony. The 45-year-old, who marks over two decades in the industry, emphasized her current “energized and confident” mindset. She’s preparing for an April concert in Macau, prioritizing fitness and vocal training to ensure a “healthy and smooth” show.
Addressing rumors of a romantic link with Chinese singer Zhou Bichang (sparked by their closeness on a music show), Yung dismissed speculation: “We’re just like-minded friends.” A portion of her jewelry sales will fund her charity foundation, including tickets for children to watch the animated film Ne Zha 2: The Devil’s Fury.
News Source: https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/entertainment/20250311/bkn-20250311180720508-0311_00862_001_cn.html
(9) Zhou Dongyu’s New Film Plains of Fire Sparks Mixed Reactions Amid Narrative Shifts
(Photo Credit: Weibo@Plains of Fire)
The long-delayed Chinese film Plains of Fire (adapted from Shuang Xue Tao’s Plains of Moses) has drawn polarized reviews since its release, scoring 5.8/10 on platforms. The story centers on Li Fei (Zhou Dongyu) and Zhuang Shu (Liu Haoran), childhood friends entangled in a botched arson scheme that spirals into tragedy. Critics note the film streamlines the novel’s multi-perspective, 30-year historical scope into a dual-timeline crime romance (1995 and 2007), focusing on the protagonists’ fraught bond while sidelining the older generation’s socio-political struggles, such as the Cultural Revolution and industrial layoffs.
The adaptation prioritizes dramatic tension, amplifying Li and Zhuang’s star-crossed love through intense scenes like a snowfield kiss and a climactic car chase. However, truncating subplots—like the generational feud between Zhuang’s parents (Mei Ting and Chen Minghao)—weakens the narrative’s historical depth. Some viewers praise its atmospheric cinematography and restrained handling of crime elements, particularly the understated depiction of violence, which aligns with producer Diao Yi’nan’s signature style. Zhou Dongyu’s portrayal of Li Fei’s physical and emotional pain also stands out.
While the film’s condensed approach makes the plot more accessible, fans of the novel argue it loses the source material’s layered commentary on societal upheaval. Critics also cite uneven pacing, blending melancholic historical reflection with melodramatic tropes.
News Source: https://m.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_30384542
(10) Chinese Actress Zhao Wei Breaks Silence after Divorce Announcement
(Photo Credit: Weibo@Zhao Wei)
Chinese actress Zhao Wei, previously deemed a “controversial artist” and largely absent from public view, reemerged on social media on 8 March 2025, marking her first online activity since announcing her divorce from businessman Huang You Long in late 2024. Sharing a night view photo from Yunnan with the cryptic caption, “Tonight’s moon… the moon back then,” Zhao sparked speculation among fans about the message’s sentimental or symbolic meaning. The post coincided with International Women’s Day, drawing attention to her tentative return to the public sphere.
Zhao, known for iconic roles in films like My Fair Princess, also engaged directly with followers in the comments. She wished a fan a cheerful “Happy Birthday” and encouraged a student preparing for exams with a supportive “You can do it!” These interactions, rare amid her years of low profile, suggested a deliberate effort to reconnect with her audience.
The actress’s reappearance follows years of professional setbacks linked to her being blacklisted by Chinese authorities in 2021, which led to the removal of her works from streaming platforms. No official explanation was provided, speculation arose about potential ties to her business dealings, and political sensitivities. While her divorce announcement in December 2024 had already reignited public interest, her latest posts hint at a cautious yet poignant return to visibility.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/chinese-actress-zhao-wei-breaks-silence-after-divorce-announcement/
(11) Huang Xiaoming Denies Rumors of Gambling 1.03 Billion RMB in Macau
(Photo Credit: Weibo@Huang Xiaoming)
Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming has publicly addressed viral rumors alleging he lost 1.03 billion RMB (approx. $142 million) during a seven-day gambling spree in Macau’s VIP casino halls, even claiming he mortgaged his private jet and mansion to cover debts. The speculation, circulating widely on Weibo since 10 March 2025, implicated multiple A-list male stars, including Jay Chou, Zhao Benshan, and Chen Daoming. Chou’s agency swiftly denied his involvement, while Huang remained silent until 12 March.
Huang broke his silence by posting serene sunset photos on Weibo with a cryptic caption. When a user directly asked, “Did you lose 1 billion?” he humorously replied, “Happy Beans?”—referencing a virtual currency in Tencent’s QQ games. The response, interpreted as a sarcastic denial, aimed to dispel the sensational claims. The rumors also cited clues like the star’s alleged 1.5 billion RMB pre-existing debt, frozen earnings from a Lunar New Year film, and a custody battle with his ex-wife.
The gossip highlights the intense scrutiny faced by Chinese celebrities, with unverified claims often sparking widespread speculation. Huang, known for past high-profile investments and philanthropic work, has not addressed the rumors further.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/即時娛樂/60219242/瘋傳一線男星澳門豪賭輸10億抵押私人飛機-黃曉明沉默數天終回應
(12) Retired HK Actress Cherie Chung Captivates Fans During Recent Shopping Outing
(Photo Credit: Weibo@Cherie Chung)
Retired Hong Kong actress Cherie Chung, 65, captivated admirers during a recent shopping outing in Hong Kong, reaffirming her status as an enduring icon of elegance. Renowned for her 1980s–90s film career and two Asia-Pacific Film Festival Best Actress awards, Chung retired in 1994 after marrying advertising executive Mike Chu. She has since embraced a low-profile lifestyle, prioritizing health, travel, and outdoor activities like hiking with friends.
A fan shared on social media how Chung’s approachable demeanor and timeless beauty left a lasting impression. Describing her as “striking and distinguished,” the fan praised Chung’s warm interactions with store staff and willingness to pose for photos. Chung reportedly engaged in friendly conversation, asking about the fan’s family and assuring others not to disrupt their work for her sake. Followers flooded the post with admiration, noting her “vibrant energy” and grace.
Though retired, Chung remains a beloved figure in Hong Kong’s cultural memory, celebrated for her cinematic contributions and effortless charm. Her rare public appearances continue to spark nostalgia among fans who grew up watching her films.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/retired-hk-actress-cherie-chung-captivates-fans-during-recent-shopping-outing/
