China rolls out "ASEAN-visa": spokesman

China has launched an "ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Visa" for the 10 ASEAN countries and ASEAN observer Timor-Leste, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press briefing on in Beijing on Tuesday.

In recent years, the building of the China-ASEAN community with a shared future has been continuously advanced, and important achievements have been made in jointly building a common home that features peace, tranquility, prosperity, a beautiful environment, and friendship, Lin said.

China and Southeast Asian countries have frequent personnel exchanges, and further facilitating personnel exchanges is a common aspiration for both sides, he said.

"On the basis of the comprehensive mutual visa exemption with Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and other countries and the issuance of the 'Lancang-Mekong visa' to Mekong River countries, China will issue the 'ASEAN visa' for business personnel from the 10 ASEAN countries and ASEAN observer Timor-Leste, as well as their spouses and children, who meet the requirements, so as to further facilitate the cross-border movement of people within the region. The visa will allow multiple entries within five years and a maximum stay period of 180 days," Lin said.

China rolls out "ASEAN-visa": spokesman

China rolls out "ASEAN-visa": spokesman

China rolls out "ASEAN-visa": 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