Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" is continuing to captivate audiences worldwide, earning glowing reviews and enthusiastic reactions.
After debuting in Singapore on March 6, "Ne Zha 2" launched this week in the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand, with further Southeast Asian rollouts planned in the coming weeks.
The film premiered in Malaysia on March 8 and was officially released on Thursday.
"It looks great, it's well-structured. Chinese animation has really improved a lot. Everyone should go and watch it," said a Malaysian moviegoer.
The long-anticipated film made its debut in Thailand on Thursday.
A large crowd of moviegoers attended the premiere screening on Wednesday night, queuing up to receive movie posters, posing for photos with cardboard cutouts of the film's characters, and enjoying one of the most successful films in the world.
"I've been waiting for Part 2, and now I really want there to be a Part 3 too! I'm such a huge fan. I love Ne Zha so much! When he transforms and grows up, he looks so cool!" said Nichanan Boonlarp, a Thai moviegoer.
According to data from China's ticketing platform Maoyan as of Saturday, the film's global earnings, including presales, have surpassed 15.019 billion yuan (about 2.09 billion U.S. dollars), a milestone reached just 45 days after its release on Jan 29, claiming the fifth spot on the all-time global box office charts.
This latest feat adds to an impressive list of records for the film, which became the first film to gross one billion U.S. dollars in a single market, the first non-Hollywood title to enter the billion-dollar club, and the highest-grossing animated movie of all time worldwide.
The film's reach to European viewers is also underway. On Friday, cinemas in London, the UK, and Ireland held preview screenings of the film ahead of its official March 21 release in both countries, with further European rollouts to follow.
Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" charms Southeast Asian audiences
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
