"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

The total global box office for the Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2", including presales, exceeded 13.5 billion yuan (about 1.86 billion U.S. dollars) as of Sunday morning, according to data from ticketing platform Maoyan.

Data from Maoyan showed that the very Chinese animated blockbuster had grossed 13.525 billion yuan (about 1.87 billion U.S. dollars) as of 11:44 Sunday Beijing Time, or 03:44 GMT.

Since its release on the Chinese mainland on the Chinese New Year Day of Jan 29, the film has shattered multiple records, and on Feb 18, it became the highest-grossing animation movie of all time after surpassing the U.S. animated hit "Inside Out 2".

In addition, "Ne Zha 2" has become the first film to earn over one billion U.S. dollars in a single market and the first non-Hollywood title to join the coveted billion-dollar club.

As a sequel to the 2019 animated hit "Ne Zha", the latest installment continues the tale of a rebellious boy-god based on Chinese mythology, which has proven popular among movie-goers globally.

"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela