Beijing's desire to promote its worldview through movies is putting pressure on major film studios.
Margot Robbie, who plays the titular character, at the world premiere of Barbie. July 9, 2023, at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Credit: Chris Pizzello via AP Photos
In this summer’s most eagerly-anticipated blockbuster, Barbie, the eponymous heroine and her beau Ken travel from their homes in Barbie Land to the human realm. In a surprising twist, the movie’s pink-hued plastic protagonists have created a real-world geopolitical controversy along the way.
An image from the movie’s trailer shows Margot Robbie, playing Barbie, standing in front of a world map on which two curved broken lines are drawn next to a land mass labeled ‘Asia’. Those
Exclusive longform investigative journalism, Q&As, news and analysis, and data on Chinese business elites and corporations. We publish China scoops you won't find anywhere else.
A weekly curated reading list on China from Andrew Peaple.
A daily roundup of China finance, business and economics headlines.
We offer discounts for groups, institutions and students. Go to our Subscriptions page for details.
Fish farming in Xinjiang is being sold as proof that technology can overcome geography. The reality is more complicated: a desert seafood boom built on political control, imported feed and a food system that masks its real burdens.
The foreign correspondent describes meeting with the Uyghurs from Xinjiang who played a key role in the Syrian civil war, but who now find themselves potentially stateless.
Corporate Risk Intelligence for National Security, Compliance & Due Diligence
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
