The intellectual property (IP) merchandise for Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" has become a smash hit in recent days, with fans of the film scrambling to get their Ne Zha-themed souvenirs across China.
At a movie theater in Shanghai, Na Zha-related goods were almost sold out, with only a few items like figurines, blind box cards, and popcorn buckets remaining.
"Many of the most popular items were already sold out during the Spring Festival holiday [from January 28 to February 4]. This is our third restock already," said a staff member at the movie theater.
Formally known as "Ne Zha: Demon Child Conquers the Sea", the film is the sequel to the 2019 animated blockbuster "Ne Zha", drawing inspiration from the tale of a mythological figure of the same name from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) novel "Fengshen Yanyi", or "The Investiture of the Gods".
The enthusiasm toward "Ne Zha 2" has extended beyond movie theaters. At an anime merchandise store, acrylic-made ticket stubs and stress-relief toys featuring "Ne Zha" have been completely sold out as well.
The booming sales have prompted toy manufacturers to accelerate production. In Xiangtan, a city in central China's Hunan Province, Hunan Sunny and Sandy Toys Manufacturer, a company licensed to produce 3D toys of Ne Zha 2, brought over 500 workers back to the production line on Feb 2, the sixth day of the eight-day Chinese New Year holiday to meet the surging demand from consumers.
"About of 60 production lines in five factories have all been running at full capacity to produce merchandise for the blockbuster of Chinese animation Ne Zha. Our monthly production capacity for blind boxes alone is now between 6 million and 8 million units," said Yang Jie, board chairman of the company.
Yang also said that the company previously relied on well-known international IP to produce and export toys, but the rising popularity of Chinese animation has enabled the company to shift focus to the domestic market. So far, the company's Ne Zha figurines and related toys have achieved accumulative sales of over 200 million yuan (about 27.3 million U.S. dollars) on online platforms.
Sales of merchandise for Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" boom nationwide
Sales of merchandise for Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" boom nationwide
Sales of merchandise for Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" boom nationwide
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that UN Security Council actions must not provide legal cover for unauthorized military operations, nor should they heighten tensions or escalate conflict.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission.
Kallas shared her views on the situation in the Middle East and commended China's active diplomatic mediation efforts to ease the situation, including the latest five-point joint initiative issued by China and Pakistan for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.
The European side has not been involved in this war but has suffered from its spillover effects, she said, expressing hope for swiftly de-escalating the war and resuming dialogue and negotiations.
The European side supports UN humanitarian operations, the protection of civilians and non-military targets, and will make every effort to ensure the opening of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, she said.
Wang said that amid the current international turmoil, it is the shared responsibility of China and Europe to step up communication and exchanges, and to uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law.
Wang elaborated on China's principled position on the Middle East situation, noting that the five-point initiative proposed by China and Pakistan reflects a broad international consensus, whose core elements include a cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the security of non-military targets and security of shipping lanes, and safeguarding the primacy of the UN Charter.
A ceasefire and an end to hostilities are the strong call of the international community, and also the fundamental solution to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Wang said, adding that all parties should build greater consensus and create the necessary conditions to that end.
The UN Security Council actions should focus on cooling down the situation and de-escalating tensions, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to maintain communication and cooperation with the European side to promote an early end to hostilities and restore regional peace.
The two sides also exchanged views on China-EU relations. Wang said that China's development represents opportunities for Europe, and that the challenges Europe faces do not originate from China. Protectionism does not enhance competitiveness, and decoupling from China means decoupling from opportunities, Wang said, expressing hope that the European side will develop a comprehensive and objective perception of China and maintain the correct direction of China-EU relations.
Kallas said that the European side views China as an important cooperation partner, does not seek decoupling from China, and looks forward to maintaining dialogue and communication between the two sides.
Chinese FM says UN Security Council actions should not legitimize unauthorized military operations
