The China-Azerbaijan agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports will build closer bond between the two peoples and deepen the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun at a regular press conference on Thursday.
China and Azerbaijan are good friends treating each other with sincerity and trust, and good partners who see each other as equals and pursue mutual benefit. Under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, the two countries have seen ever-deepening cooperation in various areas, said Guo.
"During President Aliyev's visit to China, the two governments officially signed the agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports. This will further facilitate cross-border travel, build closer bond between the two peoples, and deepen the China-Azerbaijan comprehensive strategic partnership," said the spokesman.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev paid a state visit to China from Tuesday to Thursday at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China-Azerbaijan mutual visa exemption to deepen comprehensive strategic partnership: spokesman
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
