China's New Year season box office surpasses 5 bln yuan

China's box office (including pre-sales) for the 2025 Chinese New Year film season from November 28 to December 31 has exceeded 5 billion yuan (about 710 million U.S. dollars) as of 09:34 on Sunday, setting a new record for the same period in nearly eight years, according to online platform data.

This is the second time in Chinese film history that the New Year film season has surpassed 5 billion yuan in box office revenue, following the 2017 New Year film season. The figure is expected to raise the country's annual box office to a new high of over 51.4 billion yuan (about 7.3 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025.

This year's New Year film season features over 50 films spanning genres including suspense, action, and science fiction, catering to a wide range of audiences.

China's New Year season box office surpasses 5 bln yuan

China's New Year season box office surpasses 5 bln yuan

China's New Year season box office surpasses 5 bln yuan

China's New Year season box office surpasses 5 bln yuan

China's New Year season box office surpasses 5 bln yuan

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect of the current conflicts, noting the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if the war doesn't end.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The Saudi Arabian foreign minister briefed Wang on the latest developments of the Middle East situation, saying the war in Iran has caused severe impacts on countries in the region and the world at large.

Saudi Arabia attaches importance to China's important role in international affairs, and values high-level strategic cooperation with China, he said, adding that the kingdom is ready to further enhance consultation and coordination with China on platforms including the United Nations, to jointly push for the de-escalation of the situation and an end to the conflict.

Wang noted that the prolonged war in Iran, which has lasted for over a month, has caused enormous casualties and losses, and undermined the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, over which China expressed concerns.

Wang said China and Pakistan recently jointly issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region, which includes safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states, stopping attacks on civilians and non-military targets, and ensuring the security of shipping lanes.

Wang said the top priority is to focus on cessation of hostilities. Actions by the UN Security Council should avoid escalating confrontations and should not legitimize unauthorized military operations; otherwise, it will lead to endless trouble, with small and medium-sized countries being the first to bear the brunt, he added.

Wang noted that China appreciates Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting peace and ceasefire, and stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to make efforts for the early restoration of regional peace.

Chinese FM says Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if war doesn't end