Nation takes huge strides on cultural stage

Ministry of Commerce data showed that in 2021, the import and export volume of China's cultural products reached $155.8 billion, a year-on-year rise of 43.4 percent. The value of the nation's cultural services rose by 24.3 percent to $44.22 billion, with the US, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Japan as the main destinations for its online games and e-sports products.

China handed its movie box office crown back to North America last year after retaining its position as the world's largest film market in 2020 and 2021.However, in November, China saw box office revenue of 50 billion yuan ($6.97 billion), signaling a remarkable recovery from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ye said: "A country's essence and character are deeply embedded in its cultural fabric. In the past seven decades, we have cultivated a dynamic socialist culture that resonates strongly on the global stage.

"Through our artistic endeavors, we have narrated the stories of our monumental struggles and expressed our optimism for national rejuvenation. As we continue this journey, we anticipate further remarkable cultural achievements that not only resolve our internal issues, but also address the broader challenges faced by humanity."