New cross-border railway to enhance connectivity between China, Mongolia: FM spokesman

The new China-Mongolia cross-border railway is expected to serve as a new bridge for boosting connectivity between the two countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in Beijing on Thursday.

China and Mongolia held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday to mark the official launch of construction on the Gantsmod–Gashuunsukhait rail project, which will be the second cross-border rail link between the two countries.

Lin said at a regular press briefing that the railway would inject new momentum into the development of China-Mongolia bilateral relations.

"On May 14, China and Mongolia held a ceremony to mark the official groundbreaking of the Gantsmod-Gashuunsukhait cross-border railway, which is the second cross-border railway between the two countries. Expanding cooperation in key areas such as economy and trade, energy, mining and connectivity is an important common understanding between President Xi Jinping and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. In February this year, Premier Li Qiang and Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene jointly witnessed the exhibiting of the cooperation agreement on the Gantsmod-Gashuunsukhait railway and coal trade," said Lin.

"The construction of this cross-border railway is not only a concrete step of implementing the important common understanding between the presidents of the two countries, but also an important action to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative and Mongolia's Steppe Road Program. We hope this railway will serve as a new bridge for China-Mongolia connectivity, fostering deeper development integration, promoting industrial synergy, and expanding visits and exchanges, thereby injecting new impetus in to the building of a China-Mongolia community with a shared future," he said.

New cross-border railway to enhance connectivity between China, Mongolia: FM spokesman

Chinese films achieved notable international success in 2025, screening in 46 countries and regions worldwide and serving as a vital cultural bridge by enhancing global audiences’ understanding of China.

In Canada, more than 10 Chinese films in different styles were screened in the country's largest cinema in 2025, receiving positive audience feedback.

"I have seen a few Chinese animations, but I think one of the things that was like most unique about them was the detail, the quality of the animation, brings up both. As someone who hasn't been to China like me, it's really like, seeing animation and knowing about China, is impressive honestly," said Sofia Cervantes, a college student of Vancouver Film School.

In December, Canada held Chinese Film Week to encourage local moviegoers expand their cinematic horizons and learn about Chinese culture.

"I can see China's trying to make stuff with more international box office appeal. I think it's an important thing for China to reach out to a broader international market. I think that China has certain things -- like history, and of course there's the action films that can reach a broader audience," said Canadian filmmaker Bruce Fontaine.

Chinese films also received a welcome at the box office in the New Zealand market in 2025. New Zealand industry insiders said Chinese cinema’s artistry and technical finesse offer valuable experience for the world, which also lays a solid foundation for deeper film and television cooperation between China and New Zealand.

"What's happening in the Chinese market that China is moving ahead at great speed, with AI, in terms of all sorts of different technologies, but including cinema. So there's a lot to learn," said Matthew Horrocks, manager of Screen Auckland.

Chinese movies enjoy good box office performances overseas in 2025