Thriving sub-sectors such as creative design services, digital publication, and internet information services were the main drivers of steady growth of China's culture industries in the first quarter of 2025, showed the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday.
According to the NBS data, China's major enterprises in the culture and related industries reported 3.3939 trillion yuan (about 465.2 billion U.S. dollars) in combined operating revenue in the first three months, representing a year-on-year increase of 6.2 percent.
Notably, the operating revenue of companies in news information services, creative design services, and content creation and production rose by 10.5 percent, 8.6 percent, and 7.5 percent, respectively, from the same period in 2024.
New forms of cultural businesses logged rapid expansion in the first quarter, with the combined operating revenue reaching 1.4846 trillion yuan (about 203.5 billion U.S. dollars), or a year-on-year growth of 12.5 percent.
Businesses in sub-sectors such as smart entertainment drone manufacturing, digital publication, and internet advertising services led the way in expansion during the period, growing by 36.8 percent, 19.8 percent, and 16.4 percent, year on year, respectively.
In the first quarter, the combined profits of major enterprises in China's culture and related industries came in at 274.4 billion yuan (about 37.6 billion U.S. dollars), up by 29.1 percent from the same period of last year. The main drivers of profit growth included sub-sectors such as digital content services, internet information services, and internet cultural and entertainment platforms.
The NBS data came from a survey of cultural companies with annual revenue of more than 20 million yuan (about 2.74 million U.S. dollars) or those meeting other standards set by the agency.
Thriving sub-sectors drives growth of culture industries in Q1
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
