China: Trendy toys play part in fostering cuddly connections among Chinese, American youths.

Shotlist Miami, Florida, USA - Recent (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 1. Various of Labubu IP-themed products; consumers 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Zashery Mercedes, manager, Pop Mart pop-up store (ending with shot 3): "Everybody's obsessed with them -- grown-ups, kids." 3. Various of consumers, products 4. SOUNDBITE (English) U.S. consumer (name not given) (starting with shot 3): "I used to buy them only on TikTok shop, but I happened to walk past a little Pop Mart store and we said let's try our luck, and we were successful." 5. Various of products, consumers at Pop Mart store 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Jenkins, professor of communication, journalism, cinematic arts, University of Southern California (USC) (ending with shot 7): "These are the ones seeking out difference through pop culture from around the world. And they have no bias against Chinese media, as long as it tells stories that are exciting for them -- they like the aesthetic." 7. Various of consumer, Labubu doll Shanghai, China- Recent (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 8. Various of My Little Pony IP-themed products; consumers 9. SOUNDBITE (Chinese, dubbed in English) Zhao Chen, manager of public relations, KAYOU (starting with shot 8/partially overlaid with shots 10-12): "It's truly a two-way creative exchange. When we bring American IPs together with China's manufacturing strength and local design creatives, the results are impressive. We've woven Chinese design elements into many of our products, and they've proven popular with consumers globally. It's no longer just about the product itself. It allows young people from different countries to share memories and things they love together. It has become an emotional connection." ++SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 10. Various of consumers, products 11. Various of designers discussing 12. Various of My Little Pony-themed collectible cards; customers ++SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 13. Various of My Little Pony IP-themed products 14. SOUNDBITE (English) Jessica Qian, senior director of licensed consumer products, Asia Pacific, Hasbro (starting with shot 13/partially overlaid with shots 15-17/ending with shot 18): "My Little Pony in China -- it developed a very different story versus other international market, because many of our licensing partner (not only) create multiple products, services and experience in China, but also create trends that influence the whole world. China is the biggest international market (for My Little Pony). We even think about some storytelling or even content maybe will have Chinese or Asian elements in the future." ++SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 15. Various of products 16. Screen showing picture of My Little Pony 17. My Little Pony IP-themed product ++SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 18. Various of product integrating My Little Pony IP with Chinese cultural elements Los Angeles, California, USA - Recent (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 19. Video clips on social media 20. SOUNDBITE (English) Whitney Pollett, toy designer (starting with shot 19/partially overlaid with shots 21-23): "It became really popular and I didn't expect it. But I've loved every second of it. I'm connecting with the Chinese audience. They're recommending specific fashions I should look into. So we all just connected in this really beautiful and meaningful way." ++SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 21. Phone screen showing video clips on social media 22. Video clips on social media 23. Painting ++SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ Shanghai, China- Recent (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 24. Labubu dolls Miami, Florida, USA - Recent (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 25. My Little Pony IP-themed products Storyline Trendy toys from both China and the United States are helping forge cuddly new connections among young people across the Pacific and playing their part in boosting China-U.S. relations, as this pop culture phenomenon builds a brand new bridge between the two sides. With ties in the spotlight this week as U.S. President Donald Trump embarked on a three-day state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping -- the first by a U.S. president in almost nine years -- exchanges of a different kind are making an impact of the streets of both countries. From blind boxes to IP-themed merchandise, trendy toys from China and the United States are proving a big hit among consumers keen to snap up the latest products from stores. Labubu, one of the world's most popular toy IPs originating from China, is now taking over some of the top toy stores and viral hangouts in Miami. With the city set to host matches at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, local toy stores have rolled out football-themed Labubu figures, which have quickly become a firm favorite among American consumers of all ages. "Everybody's obsessed with them -- grown-ups, kids," said Zashery Mercedes, manager of a P