Reference Message Network reported on June 18 that the website of The New York Times of the United States published an article titled "Can This Not Very Cute Little Sprite Make China Cool?" on June 16. The article is compiled as follows: In China's efforts to win over global public opinion, its latest weapon is a plush toy with fangs, rabbit ears, and a cute-but-ugly appearance. This smiling plush toy named Labubu is manufactured by a Chinese company and has become a global trend. In recent months, it has been carried by celebrities such as American singer Rihanna and retired British footballer David Beckham; it caused a brawl among customers in the UK; people lined up all night in Los Angeles. Some enthusiastic fans even specially planned trips to China hoping to buy it. Philippine blogger Leanna Patricia Guillermo wrote in the video caption: "I flew to China just to visit the world's largest Pop Mart store." Pop Mart is the manufacturer of Labubu. The enthusiasm for Labubu may fade like other trends. But this might also signal some victories for China in winning overseas cultural influence. Other Chinese products that have gained global attention include games like "Black Myth: Wukong"; affordable and well-made electric vehicles from BYD and other brands; China's AI model DeepSeek has been adopted by overseas tech companies including those in the US and Europe; foreign travel bloggers have uploaded videos enthusiastically talking about Shanghai's skyline and Chengdu's pandas, and so on. Niche products such as Chinese historical costume dramas are also attracting overseas audiences. While enhancing its economic strength, China has also been striving to build its unique soft power. This effort has been successful domestically. Many Chinese people now turn to domestic brands and Chinese stars instead of the Western world they once admired. Moreover, there are signs that some foreign Labubu enthusiasts are getting in touch with other Chinese products. On the American Reddit site, users exchange experiences and skills in ordering dolls and clothing through Chinese e-commerce platforms like Global Sources, and express concerns about US tariffs on Chinese goods. Last year, 30-year-old Australian Hugh Af flew to Shanghai specifically to look for Labubu dolls. She plans to travel to China again later this year. Besides visiting other Chinese cities, she also intends to buy more Chinese brand clothing she discovers. She said that her friends in Australia, after witnessing the craze caused by Labubu, "have indeed developed a more positive view of China." Professor Huang Rihuan of Huaqiao University, who studies China's external communication, said that the continuous expansion of Chinese enterprises' global influence itself is a reflection of soft power. He pointed out that companies like Pop Mart, Tencent, and Alibaba employ employees of different nationalities in their offices around the world. (Compiled/Translated by Lin Chaohui) [Image: https://p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-axegupay5k/9573691db3eb4eebaac2bb3045347566~tplv-tt-origin-web:gif.jpeg?_iz=58558&from=article.pc_detail&lk3s=953192f4&x-expires=1750818367&x-signature=kBYkRmtOKtvJQZ%2FM2P3H3hJQrcM%3D] On May 6, customers selected Labubu dolls at a Pop Mart store in Bangkok, Thailand. (AFP) Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7517103507682394624/ Disclaimer: This article only represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Like/Dislike" buttons below.