Ethiopian embassy marks 55 years of diplomatic relations with China

The Ethiopian embassy in Beijing held an event on Thursday to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and China.

Ambassadors from more than 60 countries attended the event.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Ethiopian Ambassador to China Tefera Derbew Yimam shared his views on China-Ethiopia relations and expressed the hope for further exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

"Our bilateral relationship is deep-rooted and is based on mutual trust, respect and equality. The two countries have enjoyed their bilateral relationship over the past 55 years. Today, we are celebrating this strong, deep-rooted partnership so that we can use the existing solid foundation for further engagement, for further partnership," he said.

According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the relationship between China and Ethiopia has evolved since the landmark visit by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie to Beijing in 1971. Over the past more than five decades, relations between China and Ethiopia have been strengthened on the basis of the principles of equality, non-interference and mutual benefit.

"We can see how Ethiopia is taking off through its cooperation, very productive and fruitful cooperation with China. So, we are so proud of it as Africans, but as well as friends of China, so as diplomats and Dean of the African group," said Martin Mpana, Cameroonian Ambassador to China.

Siddharth Chatterjee, U.N. Resident Coordinator in China, said he visited Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa about 20 years ago, gaining a firsthand understanding of the country's development. Speaking to the CGTN, he highlighted the relations between China and Ethiopia as a reflection of the broader relations between China and Africa.

"As a matter of fact, Ethiopia epitomizes the microcosm of the China Africa relationship. I have seen first-hand the kind of progress Ethiopia has made. And I went to Addis Ababa for the first time in 2001. I've seen the real effects of the Belt and Road Initiative, and how it's transformed the entire landscape in Ethiopia. So, in many ways, I welcome this sort of partnership that China has with Africa. As far as the United Nations is concerned, we want to see Africa progress," he said.

Ethiopian embassy marks 55 years of diplomatic relations with China

China's movie industry is increasingly deriving its earnings from broader consumer economy.

Released during the 2025 summer season, the film "Nobody" became China's highest-grossing two-dimensional animated film -- and its success went beyond theaters.

Through licensing and brand partnerships, the movie has generated 2.5 billion yuan (about 358.3 million U.S. dollars) in retail sales to consumers, with more than 800 licensed products on the market.

Ranging from plush toys to food and home goods, the movie-related merchandise can be purchased from over 3,000 online and offline outlets.

Meanwhile, souvenir stores are crowded at Shanghai Disneyland's Zootopia themed land, with hats, plush toys, and collectibles seeing steady demand from visitors.

"China's film industry is no longer defined by box office revenue alone. It has become a new growth engine that links and energizes multiple cultural sectors. At the heart of every successful film is strong storytelling. High-quality productions create cultural value, which in turn enhances the commercial value of intellectual property and opens up new consumption opportunities. I believe China's film industry delivered an outstanding performance in the past year," said Chen Xiaoda, vice dean of Shanghai Vancouver Film School.

Film IP fuels expansion of consumer market