For years, China had an image problem it couldn't shake off — synonymous with cheap exports, heavy censorship, and a state shrouded in secrecy and scandal.

That has been changing as the country strives to burnish its image, rising in soft power rankings, with domestic businesses helping Beijing secure a significant facelift.

Chinese coffee chains are popping up in New York. Chinese video games are generating billions in revenue. Even Chinese makeup, or "c-beauty," companies are expanding into global markets.

But the most surprising factor boosting China's cultural rise isn't a flying car, an AI model, or a bestselling game — it's a toy.

Labubus are everywhere: Pop Mart's ugly-cute $30 keychain has been spotted on the bags of Rihanna and K-pop band Blackpink's Lisa, with the plushie att

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