(C) Twisted Voxel

BEIJING – While trade tensions between the world's two largest economies remain high, a rabbit and a fox are proving that American cultural exports still hold massive sway in the Chinese market. The unprecedented success of Disney’s Zootopia 2 has become the latest focal point in the ongoing discourse over U.S.-China trade relations, with Chinese state media using the film’s popularity to argue against protectionist policies.

Breaking Records and Reshaping the Market

Since its simultaneous release in North America and mainland China on November 26, Zootopia 2 has shattered expectations. As of mid-December, the film’s Chinese box office revenue reached 3.56 billion yuan (approx. $490 million).

According to box office tracker Maoyan and Box Office Mojo, this performance makes it the highest-grossing imported animation in Chinese history, surpassing the original Zootopia (2016), which held the record at 1.53 billion yuan. Remarkably, the Chinese market alone accounts for roughly 42% of the film’s total global revenue, positioning it as the second-highest-grossing imported film of any genre in China, trailing only Avengers: Endgame.

 
The "Service Trade" Counter-Argument

The Global Times, a state-run Chinese daily, seized on this success to criticize Washington’s "America First" trade stance. In a recent editorial, the publication argued that Zootopia 2 serves as a "living example" of the reality of U.S.-China economic ties—one that is often obscured by political rhetoric regarding trade deficits.

"While the U.S. focuses solely on its deficit in goods trade with China, it conveniently ignores that it maintains its largest service trade surplus with us," the editorial stated. "The cultural and economic exchange between our nations is, in fact, a balanced sharing of interests."
The paper further criticized the U.S. strategy of "small yards and high fences"—a term used to describe targeted export controls and high tariffs—warning that such protectionism "stifles the drive for innovation and undermines long-term competitiveness."

Beyond the Big Screen: The Multi-Billion Dollar Ecosystem

The "Zootopia effect" extends far beyond ticket sales. Disney has strategically leveraged the IP through massive collaborations with Chinese retail giants:

Pop Mart: Launching exclusive "Labubu" and Zootopia crossover collectibles.
Miniso: Releasing affordable lifestyle products that have seen rapid sell-outs across Chinese urban centers.
Shanghai Disney Resort: The world’s first Zootopia-themed land, which opened in late 2023, has seen a significant spike in foot traffic, further cementing the franchise's footprint.
Conclusion: Cultural Diplomacy vs. Geopolitics
The extended screening of Zootopia 2 through January 2026 suggests that Chinese authorities are willing to allow American cultural products to flourish when they meet consumer demand. However, the narrative provided by state media serves as a calculated reminder: as long as Chinese consumers are fueling the profits of Hollywood and U.S. service sectors, Beijing expects a more "reciprocal" approach to trade from the incoming U.S. administration.