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Beijing is hosting discussions on the prospects of Russia-China cooperation in the media market, as the 6th Media Forum kicks off in the city. Industry leaders are exchanging experiences and summarizing the results of projects that have already gained recognition in both countries. Among these is the success of the film "Red Silk," produced with the participation of the National Media Group.
The preparations were meticulous, spanning several days to ensure everything met the highest standards—from smoothing out the lace on the chairs to rehearsing the synchronized serving of tea. For China, the 6th Russia-China Media Forum is a matter of particular importance, attended by the country's Communist Party leadership.
"We need to meet more often and discuss issues of mutual concern. We share common views on the challenges in the information sphere," noted Yu Junsheng, Deputy Head of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and Director of the Beijing Radio and Television Station.
The forum also brings together heads of leading media organizations from both nations. Representing China are Xinhua News Agency, the People's Daily, and China Media Group, while Russia is represented by key industry leaders.
"Today, we live in a world of fake news, a world of unreliable information and historical distortion. It is crucial that two such major powers, which possess such powerful and effective mass media, cooperate as closely as possible to present an objective and truthful picture of both history and the contemporary world to all of modern humanity," emphasized Svetlana Balanova, CEO of the National Media Group.
A full day of discussions focused on key topics for both Chinese and Russian media market participants: challenges in the digital era and the work of new media. Despite their differences, the countries have much to share with each other.
Russian media are highly active in China. Russia’s largest private media holding, the National Media Group, collaborates with several Chinese media giants. The Xinhua News Agency now exchanges information, photos, and video materials with the Izvestia multimedia information centre. In May of this year, NMG and China Media Group signed an agreement in the presence of national leaders. Furthermore, this collaboration has extended to film co-production, a unique occurrence in recent history. The film created in co-production of Russia and China with participation of NMG, "Red Silk", has been released in both Russia and China. Its success has paved the way for a sequel; currently, discussions are underway, including on the sidelines of the Beijing forum, for a new project titled "Black Silk".
Moreover, Chinese children are watching Russian cartoons. The animated series "Three Cats" is known in China as "Mihao Family" — a playful take as if cats were saying "nihao" in their own way. Its popularity is immense, with a constantly growing audience.
"This series has garnered over 5.5 billion views in China. Naturally, we arrived at a logical decision. Today, we announce that we will produce a special series for Chinese viewers: not just for them, but a dedicated Chinese series," added Balanova.
STS Animation, part of the NMG holding, is launching a major new project — producing a special Chinese series of the popular animated series "Three Cats" which marks its 10th anniversary this year. The special is being prepared in partnership with a Chinese distributor, and local consultants will be involved in script development. The new episode will have a runtime of 20 minutes, with its premiere expected in late 2026.
This project is part of NMG’s strategy to expand the international presence of Russian animation. In spring 2026, the fifth season of "Three Cats" will launch on China's largest VOD platforms, including Tencent, Youku, and Puxin. The series has already amassed 5.5 billion views and remains popular with local audiences.
NMG’s presence in the Chinese market has grown significantly in recent years: in 2025, revenue from content sales increased 2.5 times compared to 2024. Animated projects like "Three Cats" and "Little Tiaras" are widely available in China. They are accessible on leading platforms and national channels, adapted for the local audience, and dubbed into various dialects, including Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Hokkien. A diverse range of merchandise has been created for these projects — books, games, toys, clothing, and FMCG products. Furthermore, the brands are actively promoted on popular Chinese social networks like Douyin and Weibo.
The preparations were meticulous, spanning several days to ensure everything met the highest standards—from smoothing out the lace on the chairs to rehearsing the synchronized serving of tea. For China, the 6th Russia-China Media Forum is a matter of particular importance, attended by the country's Communist Party leadership.
"We need to meet more often and discuss issues of mutual concern. We share common views on the challenges in the information sphere," noted Yu Junsheng, Deputy Head of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and Director of the Beijing Radio and Television Station.
The forum also brings together heads of leading media organizations from both nations. Representing China are Xinhua News Agency, the People's Daily, and China Media Group, while Russia is represented by key industry leaders.
"Today, we live in a world of fake news, a world of unreliable information and historical distortion. It is crucial that two such major powers, which possess such powerful and effective mass media, cooperate as closely as possible to present an objective and truthful picture of both history and the contemporary world to all of modern humanity," emphasized Svetlana Balanova, CEO of the National Media Group.
A full day of discussions focused on key topics for both Chinese and Russian media market participants: challenges in the digital era and the work of new media. Despite their differences, the countries have much to share with each other.
Russian media are highly active in China. Russia’s largest private media holding, the National Media Group, collaborates with several Chinese media giants. The Xinhua News Agency now exchanges information, photos, and video materials with the Izvestia multimedia information centre. In May of this year, NMG and China Media Group signed an agreement in the presence of national leaders. Furthermore, this collaboration has extended to film co-production, a unique occurrence in recent history. The film created in co-production of Russia and China with participation of NMG, "Red Silk", has been released in both Russia and China. Its success has paved the way for a sequel; currently, discussions are underway, including on the sidelines of the Beijing forum, for a new project titled "Black Silk".
Moreover, Chinese children are watching Russian cartoons. The animated series "Three Cats" is known in China as "Mihao Family" — a playful take as if cats were saying "nihao" in their own way. Its popularity is immense, with a constantly growing audience.
"This series has garnered over 5.5 billion views in China. Naturally, we arrived at a logical decision. Today, we announce that we will produce a special series for Chinese viewers: not just for them, but a dedicated Chinese series," added Balanova.
STS Animation, part of the NMG holding, is launching a major new project — producing a special Chinese series of the popular animated series "Three Cats" which marks its 10th anniversary this year. The special is being prepared in partnership with a Chinese distributor, and local consultants will be involved in script development. The new episode will have a runtime of 20 minutes, with its premiere expected in late 2026.
This project is part of NMG’s strategy to expand the international presence of Russian animation. In spring 2026, the fifth season of "Three Cats" will launch on China's largest VOD platforms, including Tencent, Youku, and Puxin. The series has already amassed 5.5 billion views and remains popular with local audiences.
NMG’s presence in the Chinese market has grown significantly in recent years: in 2025, revenue from content sales increased 2.5 times compared to 2024. Animated projects like "Three Cats" and "Little Tiaras" are widely available in China. They are accessible on leading platforms and national channels, adapted for the local audience, and dubbed into various dialects, including Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Hokkien. A diverse range of merchandise has been created for these projects — books, games, toys, clothing, and FMCG products. Furthermore, the brands are actively promoted on popular Chinese social networks like Douyin and Weibo.