भारतीय रोज़ नई ख़बरें – भारतीय रोज़ न्यूज़ भारत की सबसे अधिकारपूर्ण, समय पर और विश्वसनीय समाचार सलाहकार वेबसाइट है

Nike runs quickly to outpace industry in China

Nike showcases its latest pipeline of innovations, together with 40 world-class elite athletes, during an event in Paris in April. [PHOTO/CHINA DAILY]

Global sportswear brand Nike is doubling down on the Chinese market by leveraging a responsive and localized creative platform as well as innovations centered on its patented Air technology.

The initiative — to drive growth — aims to bring in freshness, solidify its dominant position in the sportswear industry, and enhance its connections with younger consumers globally.

John Donahoe, president and CEO of Nike Inc, said the sportswear brand will continue to invest steadily in China.

“China is a very important market for Nike. It always has been and always will be. We’re committed to investing in China. We believe in China. We’ll keep doubling down on our proven playbook for success in driving innovative products in China,” he said.

Nike Inc posted a 6 percent year-on-year growth in sales in China to $2.08 billion in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, the sixth consecutive quarterly increase here for the sportswear company.

This was powered by its Dragon Year collection during the Spring Festival holiday and innovations in running, basketball, women and kids categories.

The company has leveraged its global innovation platform to drive novelty in China.

“You will see us increasingly bringing exciting innovations all over the world based on Air technology,” said Donahoe. “We can hyper-localize them for markets in China and other markets.”

For example, the global launch of Air Max DN shoes is expected to have a China-specific version, featuring local colorways, collaborations, campaigns and engagements with athletes, he said.

Nike has invested more than 2 billion yuan ($276 million) in its technology center in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, and an automated storage and retrieval system in its China logistics center in recent years.

Nike is also investing in local innovation capabilities, as demonstrated by the establishment of its Nike Sport Research Lab this year.

The lab works with Chinese athletes and consumers to gain insight and develop innovations driven by, and unique to, the Chinese market.

The company is also investing in hyper-localizing its storytelling and brand through Icon Shanghai, which plans to be a creative studio program aimed at translating global messaging into locally resonant content, responding rapidly to the dynamic Chinese market.

Donahoe said it is crucial to stay close to consumers, particularly in China, where consumer preferences evolve quickly.

“We’re doing things to accelerate how quickly we can respond to the consumer. China’s really the market where we’re doing that the most. We’re leaning in, trying new ways to pull forward innovations and get them in the market.”

“We are going to speed up the innovation cycle for each season and each product based on the market feedback,” he said. “We want Nike to be a global brand for Chinese consumers and it’s of China.”

The CEO emphasized the dynamic nature of the Chinese market, describing it as “innovative and progressive, in style and the digital world”.

“We’ll continue to innovate in China, enhancing both online and retail experiences across over 6,000 retail stores,” he said.

“We believe that Chinese consumers are ahead of the rest of the world in many ways. We take learning from China to the rest of the world.”

Donahoe said both the Nike brand and the Jordan brand have several potential opportunities in China.

The company opened its World of Flight, a top-end retail concept of the Jordan brand, in Beijing last month. Nike has run mono-brand stores such as the Nike Rise, Nike Style, and the House of Innovation, its flagship store in Shanghai.

Digitally, the company operates its own applications, as well as stores on e-commerce platform Tmall and short-video sharing platform Douyin.

“What’s interesting is you don’t have a digital or physical consumer. Sometimes you shop online. Sometimes you go into store. We need to be there with both,” Donahoe said. “Nike is a premium brand and we’ll try to drive and deliver a premium experience in China.”

Innovation on Air

Competition in the sportswear sector in China has intensified, with new players capturing significant market share in their respective categories.

Kemo Zhou, consultant researcher at Euromonitor International, said in 2023 the overall sportswear market in China remained under the dominance of leading sportswear groups. However, intensifying competition from fast-growing brands has been a significant impetus for the growth of the overall sportswear category.

Zhou cited outdoor brands such as The North Face, Camel and Salomon emerging as major contenders.

Meanwhile, Lululemon has maintained its remarkable growth trajectory, Zhou added.

“Initially associated with yoga apparel, the brand has witnessed a surge in popularity transcending its core market segment. Consumers increasingly integrate Lululemon’s products into their everyday wear,” he said.

Zhou said the increased consumer interest in equipment-free exercise, particularly running and hiking, has fostered demand for sports footwear brands specializing in specific activities, such as niche running shoe brands Hoka and On.

Exhibition unveils reunited bronze zodiac animal heads in Yungang Grottoes

The bronze Chinese zodiac animal heads, including the ox, tiger, horse, monkey, and pig, originally from the Old Summer Palace, are on display at the Yungang Grottoes museum in Datong city, Shanxi province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Adorned by luxurious dark violet fabric, the bronze Chinese zodiac animal heads, including the ox, tiger, horse, monkey, and pig, originally from the Yuanmingyuan Park, now glisten within the Yungang Grottoes museum in Datong city, Shanxi province.

The exhibition, The Immortality of Gold and Stone: the Seeking and Protecting Record of the Old Summer Palace and Yungang Cultural Relics, offers visitors a unique opportunity to marvel at these historic artifacts alongside the breathtaking grottoes and Buddha statues, running from April 15 to May 26.

Global guests share ideas about Sora and AI onslaught at 14th BJIFF

Artists on stage at the opening ceremony of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing’s Huairou district on April 18 Photo: Li Hao/GT

The 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) is underway. Buzzing with excitement and filled with diverse discussions, the festival has attracted a large cross-section of international filmmakers. Chinese moviegoers are flocking to the festival, eager to catch the screenings of their favorite films.

Qianqian (pseudonym), a movie enthusiast, told the Global Times that she has grabbed about 10 film tickets for various screenings. However, she lamented missing out on the 4K-restored version of
Peony Pavilion and US independent crime film
Pulp Fiction.

The top three fastest-selling films at the BJIFF, according to the committee, were Chinese films
May, the 4K-restored version of
Peony Pavilion, and
Like Winds, Like Weeds.

Tickets for foreign language films such as Japanese animated film
Perfect Blue,
Pulp Fiction, and dark comedy film
Dr. Strangelove were also snatched within seconds.

With over 200 activities planned, the BJIFF offers a colorful array of cultural activities, providing film enthusiasts with an enriching and entertaining experience.

Going global and IP innovative

BJIFF this year initially launched events such as the BJIFF International Lounge and Film Season for Diplomats, providing a platform for Chinese and foreign guests to discuss the paths for Chinese films to further go global. Participants emphasized the need for strategic support and meticulous planning to unlock the full potential of Chinese films on the international stage.

William Feng, Vice President of Asia Pacific, Motion Picture Association in the US, highlighted the interest of North American audiences in Chinese culture, citing the success of films like
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,
Hero, and
House of Flying Daggers. However, he noted a slight decline in interest, possibly due to viewer fatigue in certain kung fu genre.

He also suggested that Chinese films collaborate with streaming platforms for distribution. “Chinese film distribution should not be limited to theatrical distribution, as the user base of online platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ is very large. These online platform channels are excellent opportunities.”

Quentin Bohanna, International Sales Executive at Mk2 Films, emphasized the importance of international promotion for Chinese art films, particularly targeting markets like the US. He suggested strategies such as limited screenings followed by expansion based on audience response.

China has produced a lot of blockbusters in recent years, and related cultural products, as was the case with
The Wandering Earth II which also achieved remarkable success.

At a forum on international movie IP authority and franchise development, experts stated that in the category of derivative products, the key category segmentation model is adopted to accurately match the audience portraits of different popular IPs with market demand, accurately creating derivative products that meet audience needs, which can achieve both high-level collection and practical utilitarianism.

Ni Yuehong, former vice president of the Beijing Film Academy, told the Global Times that we also need to strengthen industrial cooperation, integrate advantageous resources, jointly promote the deep integration of the film derivative industry with the cultural and tourism industries, and create more influential cultural IPs.

Technological elements

The impact of AI on the global film and television industry has always been a hot topic.

Oscar-winning Australian sound editor David White told the Global Times that he holds an open and inclusive attitude and believes that current technology cannot threaten high-level Hollywood film production.

However, copyright issues involved in training models have always been controversial, and he hopes that regulations will be proposed by government bodies rather than private institutions in the future.

Hong Kong director Derek Tsang told the Global Times that AI would be a great help for filmmakers with low budgets and limited resources. However, he has also observed some new screenwriters using AI to write, which he considers to be a negative phenomenon as he firmly believes that human emotions and stories should come from humans, and emotions are something that AI cannot replace.

He stated that he would use AI as a tool for basic work but would invest his true emotions and feelings in the creation of scripts.

To incorporate technological elements into this year’s BJIFF, the 14th BJIFF also opened a panorama in the screen and technology section at the China Science and Technology Museum.

According to the committee, a total of 33 special effects films from 14 countries, including China, Russia, the US, and the UK were screened, along with 14 public welfare screenings of popular science documentaries, films highlighting the spirit of scientists, and short science fiction films, including popular Chinese science film
Seek Out Natural Mysteries. Director Wang Jie, who directed the film, told the Global Times that he hopes such events would inspire more people to engage with science and technology through cinema.

Cross-Straits exchange

During the 14th BJIFF ReelFocus Fresh Blood Short Film Program, Peggy Chiao, Jury President of the program and a film producer and professor from the island of Taiwan, expressed that she saw many young filmmakers with potential in this event.

She emphasized the shared cultural heritage between the Chinese mainland and the island of Taiwan, and called for increased collaboration to promote mutual understanding and unity.

Chiao told the Global Times that coming to the mainland is like coming home because her parents moved from the Chinese mainland to the island of Taiwan. She added that this emotional connection is very special to her. As a filmmaker, she uses films to know the story of her father’s generation.

Chiao expressed that the cultural roots of both sides of the Straits are the same, and cultural exchanges truly help deepen mutual recognition among people and foster a sense of true kinship.

Guests on stage at the opening ceremony of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing’s Huairou district on April 18 Photo: Li Hao/GT

Russia’s Grain Supplies to China Reach $125Mln in January-March

Russia’s grain supplies to China reached a record high of $125 million in the first quarter of 2024, increasing revenues 1.7-fold, according to Sputnik’s analysis of data published by China’s General Administration of Customs.

Russia increased wheat exports to China almost 12-fold from January-March to $15.8 million, but wheat shipments to China decreased by 18% year-on-year, while Australia remained the largest supplier of this grain to the Asian nation despite its exports falling from $955 million to $536 million, the data showed.

Meanwhile, China’s imports of Russian barley increased 8.4-fold to $60.3 million in the first quarter of this year, while total barley shipments to China doubled, the data showed.

Moreover, China’s imports of oats from Russia in January-March increased 2.7-fold and reached $14.7 million, while buckwheat supplies rose 3.3-fold to $20.1 million, according to the data.

Jury panel for short films at BJIFF hails diversity of entries

At the 14th Beijing International Film Festival, the jury for the short film section commended the quality and diversity of this year’s entries. Led by veteran film producer Peggy Chiao, along with actress Jiang Qinqin, actor Zu Feng, and other esteemed panel members, the jury unveiled their judging criteria at a press conference.

02:05

Short films have long played a pivotal role in the film industry, nurturing emerging talent and fostering innovative storytelling. The ReelFocus Program within the short film section is dedicated to discovering new talent adept at crafting impactful narratives within limited timeframes.

Veteran producer Peggy Chiao said it was a challenging task to select this year’s winners, given the exceptional quality and variety of themes explored in the submissions. She noted the breadth of artistic expression on offer, ranging from works of mature technical skill to those with experimental or traditional elements.

Scriptwriter Chen Yu emphasized the increasing importance of short films in a digitalized society, citing their potential to resonate with younger audiences across a wide range of platforms. He highlighted the shift in perception towards short films, emphasizing the importance of content and emotional resonance over the duration of the films.

Initiated in 2022, the ReelFocus Program aims to identify and support talented student creators and provide a platform for their professional development as directors.

Chongqing Library expert educates students in book restoration techniques

Xu Tong, an ancient book restorer from Chongqing Library in Southwest China’s Chongqing, teaches students how to bind traditional Chinese thread-bound books at Chongqing University. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chongqing University, in Southwest China’s Chongqing, hosted an ancient book restoration fair on Sunday to celebrate this year’s World Book Day, which falls on Tuesday.

The university invited Xu Tong, an ancient book restorer from Chongqing Library, to campus to teach students how to bind traditional Chinese thread-bound books.

According to Xu, there are approximately 530,000 ancient books in the Chongqing Library, many of which have endured weathering and insect damage during long-term circulation and preservation — especially in a city with a humid climate like Chongqing.

She joked she and the other 10 ancient book restorers at the library would need more than two lifetimes to restore the library’s collection completely.

She noted that although many higher institutions in the country offer courses related to her industry, there is still a large talent gap. “I hope more college graduates will engage in ancient book restoration in the future,” she said.

Beijing’s Fengtai district unveils first private tech innovation center

Beijing’s first private enterprise technology innovation center was unveiled on Tuesday in Fengtai district. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Beijing’s first private enterprise technology innovation center was unveiled on Tuesday in Fengtai district. The center provides a 100,000-square-meter industrial and service space for private technology enterprises, aiming to foster the development of new quality productive forces and nurture cutting-edge industries.

In recent years, Fengtai has engaged with partners in fields such as rail transportation, aerospace and the digital economy, attracting 600 enterprises to its fold, according to the district government.

Wang Shaofeng, Party secretary of the Fengtai district, expressed the district’s commitment to serving the capital’s functions and promoting integrated urban-industrial development.

He stated that Fengtai will continue to make progress in various sectors to accelerate high-quality development.

Future and modern industries are two key areas on which the district focuses. The satellite internet industry park, located in the Fengtai Science and Technology Park, spans approximately 100,000 square meters and focuses on the development of satellite application industries, including communication, navigation and remote sensing.

The industrial park aims to attract more partners and establish a new commercial aerospace industry hub.

Meanwhile, the Beigong low-altitude economic industrial park in Fengtai’s Beigong Town is set to release around 2 million square meters of industrial space gradually.

Leveraging Fengtai’s aerospace and rail transportation industry clusters, the park will prioritize the top-level design, research and manufacturing of products such as drones and flying cars.

As one of Fengtai district’s nine key signed projects, the largest JD home appliance mall in the country, invested by JD Group, is poised to settle in the district.

Spanning around 70,000 square meters of retail space, it will include trendy home appliances, home decor, entertainment and outdoor sports, offering consumers a comprehensive “one-stop home” shopping experience.

According to district government data, in 2023, Fengtai’s regional GDP was 218.75 billion yuan ($30.18 billion), a 6.5 percent increase from the previous year.

Fixed asset investment reached 78.49 billion yuan, marking a 19.6 percent year-on-year growth. The district’s market vitality continued to surge, with 21,300 new market entities established, a 32.2 percent year-on-year increase.

Tourists gravitate to color floral seas throughout China

Visitors enjoy peony flowers at the Jingshan Park in Beijing on April 22, 2024. [Photo/VCG]

Tourists are drawn to the colorful floral scenery across China as spring is in full bloom. Peony blossoms of different colors adorn parks in Beijing and Henan province. Purple bluebonnets in Kunming, Yunnan province, and pink cherry blossoms in Changchun, Jilin province, also attract many visitors.

Strengthening bonds through film

Illustration: Chen Xia/Global Times

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Brazil in 2024, the 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BIFF) has taken a significant step toward enhancing cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

By inviting Brazil as the Guest of Honor and hosting a series of collaborative events with the Brazilian Embassy in China, the film festival aims not only to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Brazil but also to elevate its international influence.

During the ongoing festival, the Brazil Film Week showcased four outstanding Brazilian films, namely
Mars One,
Pictures of Ghosts,
The Second Mother, and
History of Love and Fury, to Chinese audiences, offering them a glimpse into Brazil’s rich cinematic landscape.

Meanwhile, renowned Brazilian animator Carlos Saldanha served as an international judge for the prestigious Tiantan Awards.

Cassius Rosa, Brazil’s vice minister of culture, told the Global Times in a one-on-one interview that the four Brazilian films show a rich diversity of genres and that he hopes that Chinese moviegoers can enjoy them while gaining insight into Brazil.

He emphasized the role of cinema as a powerful medium for strengthening mutual understanding and cultural exchanges between nations, and said that Brazil also actively promotes Chinese films in various cities.

He noted that Chinese kung fu action films, along with historical and comedic genres, are highly popular among Brazilian audiences.

This reciprocal exchange of cinematic experiences reflects the mutual interest and appreciation between the two countries.

In addition to showcasing Brazilian films in China, the cultural exchange event extends to Brazil, with the Chinese Film Festival opening in Rio de Janeiro on March 22 and the annual Sao Paulo Chinese Film Festival featuring a diverse selection of Chinese films.

Such initiatives demonstrate the growing collaboration in the film industry, supported by bilateral agreements and partnerships between China and Brazil.

In recent years, under the vigorous promotion of both governments, film and television cooperation between China and Brazil has deepened.

In September 2017, the two countries signed their first film co-production agreement. During Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s visit to China in April 2023, the two countries signed an agreement on television cooperation production.

Films co-produced by Brazilian and Chinese companies will enjoy national treatment in the two countries, benefit from existing public funding mechanisms, and be regarded as national products in their respective markets.

On Friday, at a forum for exchanges between Chinese and foreign filmmakers, representatives from the BIFF and the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival signed a memorandum of cooperation.

They agreed to establish mechanisms to encourage mutual visits, conduct discussions and field research, and establish mechanisms for recommending films to each other, enhancing cooperation and exchange in the film industry between the two countries.

On Sunday, Rosa, accompanied by officials from the Brazilian film community delegation, visited the State Production Base of the China Film Group in Beijing’s Huairou district.

During the visit, they toured the post-production sound and video department, LED virtual studio, and outdoor shooting locations, gaining a detailed understanding of the facilities and technology at the hub of China’s film production industry.

During the discussions, Rosa introduced the recent situation of Brazil’s film industry and inquired about the current requirements for importing foreign films into China.

While expressing great expectations for cooperation, he announced the decision to invite a delegation of Chinese filmmakers to Brazil for in-depth exchanges in the near future.

He also hoped that through film screenings, film imports and exports, co-productions, and other means, both countries can enhance cultural exchanges and mutual learning, continuing the friendship between China and Brazil.

“By continuously deepening cultural exchanges between the peoples of both countries, we can promote mutual understanding and use this as a driving force to expand economic and trade exchanges into multiple areas,” Rosa said.

The year also marks the one-year anniversary of the China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative.

Rosa told the Global Times that besides films, the two countries also have a large potential for cooperation in other cultural fields, including literature, dance and the circus.

As film serves as a vital bridge for communication between nations, the exchange of film cultures between China and Brazil paves the way for mutual learning and industry development. By leveraging the power of film, both countries can strengthen cultural bonds, enhance mutual respect, and foster lasting friendship.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. [email protected]

Azerbaijan hoping to attract more Chinese investors amid closer economic relations

Azerbaijani people gather to celebrate Nowruz in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, March 19, 2023.(Photo: Xinhua)

Azerbaijan hopes to attract more Chinese investors as the country is pursuing sustainable development and green transformation, as well as greater transport connectivity and other economic goals under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), officials from Azerbaijan said at the Azerbaijan Investment and Trade Promotion Conference held at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Beijing on Tuesday.

Over a hundred representatives from relevant departments, enterprises, and industry groups from both China and Azerbaijan attended Tuesday’s promotional event, focusing on areas including mining, agriculture, tourism, logistics and transportation, showing the diverse bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to China Bunyad Huseynov said that Azerbaijan is China’s biggest trading partner in the South Caucasus and his country attaches great importance to the expansion of economic and trade relations with China.

The two countries are diversifying economic cooperation to various sectors including transport and logistics, agriculture, and other areas. “China’s advanced experience and technologies in the field of alternative energy are of particular interest to our country,” the ambassador said.

Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to support the BRI, which has become a key driver of economic and trade development not just with China but beyond. This joint initiative is not only an economic and communication project, but also stimulates the global economy by expanding relations between peoples, improving infrastructure, deepening trade relations, and strengthening transport and infrastructure projects, the ambassador said at the event.

Azerbaijan, located at the vibrant crossroads of Europe and Asia, offers numerous investment opportunities across various sectors, Zohrab Gadirov, deputy executive director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO), said at the event. More Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest in Azerbaijan for a win-win outcome, Gadirov said.

During his trip to China, Gadirov is hoping to build closer ties with Chinese businesses, as they are becoming increasingly important in the country’s economic development.

According to data from Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee, China-Azerbaijan bilateral trade reached $3.1 billion in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 43.5 percent, with both imports and exports seeing double-digit growth. China remained Azerbaijan’s fourth largest trading partner.

China also became Azerbaijan’s second-largest source of imports for the first time, ahead of Turkey, and accounting for 17.5 percent of the country’s total imports.

In addition to the surging demand for goods between China and Azerbaijan, the country’s strategic geographical location also positions it as a critical transportation hub for the China-Europe freight train. The demand for the cargo train has seen a significant increase thanks to its competitive advantages as a reliable transportation tool, particularly following the Red Sea crisis, which resulted in a substantial extension of transportation time and costs for sea voyages.

Azerbaijan plays a crucial role in the trans-Caspian international transportation corridor, serving as a dynamic new market at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It’s not only a vital node in the BRI but also a significant gateway for Chinese enterprises to access the markets of the Caucasus and the EU, said He Zhenwei, head of the China Overseas Development Association.

Since the beginning of this year, China has been the largest source of imports for Azerbaijan for two consecutive months, reflecting strong development momentum, according to He.

There is still room for further growth in trade between the two countries, He said.