Latest news with #Monsters'
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Amplifying China's ‘soft' power
AS Pop Mart's Labubu makes its remarkable journey into toy shops and collectible showcases around the world, we are seeing further evidence of the rise of China's soft power. The Labubu story first appeared in the Western media as relatively non-politicised articles and commentaries. Focusing on a consumer and fashion phenomenon, lifestyle editors shared the latest fad that was drawing excited crowds in the style capitals of Europe and America. Initially, the story was given little attention in the headline news and foreign policy reports of Western media and their allied Asian outlets. Much of the early coverage focused on Labubu's nondescript and modest origins, and how the unusual cross-cultural appeal of small, fuzzy and sharp-toothed dolls rapidly became a merchandising monster. The toy's explosive popularity made the owner and CEO of Pop Mart one of the fastest-rising billionaires in recent times as the toy racked up millions of views and sales, especially after the dolls began to adorn the handbags of celebrities such as Rihanna, Cher, Beckham and others in the West. Forbes has noted that Labubu is not just a niche trend, it is at the centre of Pop Mart's explosive growth. The 'Monsters' line, with Labubu as its poster child, brought in over RMB3 billion (RM592 million) in 2024. International sales soared by more than 700%, cementing Pop Mart's place as a global consumer brand. Today, the company boasts a market cap approaching US$40 billion (RM170 billion) – surpassing legacy giants such as Hasbro and Mattel – with Labubu mania at the heart of its success. Responses to Labubu The initial stories have now moved on to delve deeper into how China's cultural exports are serving not only as a breakthrough in fashion trends but also as a master class in behavioural economics. More ideologically partisan commentators are now taking it into the realm of geopolitics by depicting it as the latest threat to the West from China. To them, Labubu appears to be carving out an unacceptable cool image of the country and this is defying the geopolitical and ideological headwinds that they are intent on whipping up against China. How long an objective and non-political response to the popularity of Labubu can continue remains to be seen. However, with most Western governments' portrayal of China as a global existential threat – oscillating between narratives of unacceptable dominance and imminent collapse – it will not be surprising if new objections emerge to counter Pop Mart's expansion, curbing the growth of this new manifestation of China's soft power. However, Western propaganda spin masters intent on countering China will have their work cut out for them. Beyond lovable toys and blind boxes, a range of factors contribute to China's current position as the world's second-most influential nation, surpassing the UK in the 2025 Global Soft Power Index, with a record score of 72.8/100. Multifaceted growth This ascent reflects a multifaceted process spanning China's socioeconomic, cultural, political and technological development. These achievements have challenged the conventional strategies used by Western critics to demonise China, such as sensationaling adverse reports, amplifying stories that arouse fear and insecurities and using clickbait as a propaganda tool. As a result, many are being forced to return to the drawing board. Below is a list of the key drivers and manifestations of China's growing soft power: 0 Rising brand power: Ranked fifth for 'products and brands the world loves', Chinese brands such as BYD, TikTok and Huawei have driven a 23-fold increase in global brand value since 2008 (currently valued at US$1.4 trillion). 0 Entertainment exports: Blockbusters such as Ne Zha 2 (over US$2 billion in global box office) and gaming hits (for example, Black Myth: Wukong) amplify China's cultural reach, especially to the younger generation. 0 Digital platforms: TikTok (one billion users) and Xiaohongshu (RedNote) are reshaping global media consumption, contributing to China's 20-rank jump in 'easy to communicate with'. 0 Top global business attributes: China ranks first globally for 'ease of doing business' since 2020 and 'future growth potential' since 2022, reflecting its sustained economic attractiveness. 0 Belt and Road Initiative: BRI Infrastructure projects across over 100 countries have strengthened economic ties, boosting China's rank for 'good relations with other countries' considerably. 0 Global tech and green tech prowess: Ranked #2 for 'advanced in technology and innovation' and #3 for 'advanced in science', DeepSeek AI's launch triggered a US$969 billion selloff in US tech stocks, signalling China's capacity to reshape global tech markets. Just as favourably welcomed by most of the world are China's green tech products in electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels that make for a more environmentally sustainable world. 0 Sustainability and governance gains: Visitors to China have helped the country climb to a fifth place rank in 'sustainable cities/transport'. Despite Western efforts to discourage their citizens from travelling to China, those visiting have invariably described their stays as 'safe', 'well-governed' and 'trustworthy' – up 12 ranks. This contrasts with the US and UK, which declined in governance metrics. These favourable comments can also be found in Western tourists' feedback on Xinjiang and Tibet, where the British and American media continue to mislead their readership with unsubstantiated claims of repression against the Uyghur and Tibetan communities. Last, but perhaps not least, is the rapid erosion of American soft power, a trend not yet fully reflected in the latest soft power rankings. However, the 2026 Global Soft Power Index is likely to underscore this decline. Together with the Trump administration's tariff war against much of the world, which has spooked many countries, including traditional allies, several other factors are contributing to the shift in global soft power perceptions. These include foreign aid cuts that have affected key US policy mouthpieces and lobbying arms, such as the Voice of America and the National Endowment for Democracy. Additionally, the continuing internal political division and disarray, and declining reputation of the US as a reliable or trustworthy world leader are accelerating the shifting balance now taking place in global soft power perceptions and performance. What next for China What is evident is that China's non-state-driven soft power is starting to reshape markets, alliances and sociocultural norms worldwide, with audiences in the global south as well as in Europe rejecting Western narratives. However, future success is not guaranteed. The anti-China stance adopted by Western governments and media is driven by a web of ideological bias, institutional incentives and geopolitical strategy. A tactical recalibration appears to be taking place with new structural drivers – for example, regulations and legislation in the trade and commercial arenas – devised to sustain a distorted narrative framework. This latest strategy impedes fair and balanced global understanding, and underscores the need for the emergence of diversified independent media ecosystems grounded in truth-seeking and empirical rigour that can take on the ideological fixation and new 'cold war' mindsets of media leaders from the West. Lim Teck Ghee's Another Take is aimed at demystifying social orthodoxy. Comments: letters@
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Daily Record
Hundreds of fake and dangerous Labubu dolls seized from Ayrshire stores
'It might look like a good deal, but these dolls are usually really poor quality and made with inferior materials and are not made to last at all." Fake and dangerous versions of must-have toys have been snatched by consumer watch dog representatives in Irvine. And retailers are being strongly warned not to sell them, with almost 400 of them being seized. Hundreds of fake and potentially dangerous Labubu dolls have been seized by North Ayrshire Council's Trading Standards teams this week. And the team plan on carrying out further checks over the coming weeks as they look to find more of the counterfeit items. The cute-looking toy from the Pop Mart 'Monsters' series has become a must-have item for young people. But its popularity and money-making potential has also seen fakes coming into Scotland – and now North Ayrshire. There are safety issues with these counterfeits as they haven't passed the UK Toy Safety regulations and have small parts that could be a choking hazard. The team visited two premises within Irvine town centre and seized/uncovered over 370 counterfeit/fake Labubu products. Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands had a message for any retailers thinking of selling the items. He said: 'These counterfeits need to be stopped and we are delighted with the work being carried out by the Trading Standards team. 'We would urge any retailer selling any of these items to think again as we will be stepping up our efforts over the coming days. 'It might look like a good deal, but these dolls are usually really poor quality and made with inferior materials and are not made to last at all. 'Not only that, they could also cause a serious accident to young people. We would urge people to only buy from trusted retailers and if you have concerns, please get in touch with our Trading Standards team at North Ayrshire Council.' Some of the signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and an incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having exactly nine.
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning to parents over viral Labubu dolls as kids across Scotland left ‘heartbroken'
Find out how you can avoid being scammed and spot a fake PLUSHED HOPES Urgent warning to parents over viral Labubu dolls as kids across Scotland left 'heartbroken' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS parents have been warned as fraudsters are trying to cash in on fake Labubu dolls. The grinning toys have soared in popularity after celebs jumped on the viral trend. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Labubu dolls have surged in popularity Credit: AFP 3 The grinning creatures have become a hit after celebs jumped on the trend Credit: EPA Big names like Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Cher have all been spotted with the toys. The popular plushies are part of the Pop Mart 'Monsters' series and are fictional forest creatures. Youngsters have been going wild for the cuddly collectables, which have gone viral on social media. The trend has also hit Scotland as shops have been inundated with orders and even sold out. Some collectable Labubu's have been sold for up to £135k. But the big price tags have lured in scammers punting fake versions of the dolls. Kids have been left "heartbroken" after parents forked out cash to get them the toy they wanted, only to realise they have been duped into buying a fake. The bogus dolls are made with inferior items and break easily due to their poor quality. And it emerged Scots youngsters have been left devastated by the cuddly counterfeits while bogus sellers count the cash conned from hard-working parents. A warning was issued by consumer charity Advice Direct Scotland. TV star 'robbed of thousands' in Glastonbury ticket scam as she reveals heartbreak over missing festival The charity's project lead told The Daily Record: 'We are concerned by the surge in fake Labubu toys flooding the Scottish market. 'These counterfeits are not only deceiving collectors and draining hard-earned money from families, but they're also leaving children heartbroken. 'We urge consumers to be vigilant, buy only from trusted retailers and report suspected fakes. 'No child should be disappointed by a counterfeit toy made with inferior materials. 'We've had reports that the counterfeit goods are of very poor quality and are not made to last at all.' How to spot a fake Labubu HERE are the signs to look out for to find out if a Lububu is a fake: Overly vibrant colours Wrong number of teeth - real Labubus have exactly nine Missing UV authenticity stamps Many of the fakes have been traced to China, where authorities are cracking down on illegal operations producing tens of thousands of fake Labubus every day. The dolls are being sold from anything from £37 to £229 but the fakes can be made for just £4, leaving swindlers to rake in thousands in extra profits. Scottish Trading Standards teams have also issued warnings and urged punters to be aware for scams.
Edinburgh Live
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh shoppers warned over counterfeit popular dolls flooding market
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Edinburgh Live breaking news on WhatsApp Edinburgh residents have been cautioned over a raft of fake Labubu toys that have flooded the market as counterfeits spiral out of control. Advice Direct Scotland have revealed the popular Labubu dolls are tricking collectors and denting bank balances as they're snapped up by unsuspecting victims. The quirky, wide-eyed Labubu - a mischievous forest creature from the cult-favourite Pop Mart 'Monsters' series - have been spotted with celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Cher, the Record revealed. But the toys have now become the latest victim of global counterfeiting. Originally designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu has exploded in popularity, with some rare editions fetching up to £135,000 at auction. And fakes are now pouring into Scotland. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Hazel Knowles, consumer project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'We are concerned by the surge in fake Labubu toys flooding the Scottish market. 'These counterfeits are not only deceiving collectors and draining hard-earned money from families, but they're also leaving children heartbroken. 'We urge consumers to be vigilant, buy only from trusted retailers and report suspected fakes. 'No child should be disappointed by a counterfeit toy made with inferior materials. 'We've had reports that the counterfeit goods are of very poor quality and are not made to last at all.' Funny memes and TikTok videos have made the Labubu toys go viral turning the dolls into ultra-desirable collectibles. One dad, who turned to Advice Direct Scotland for support, said: 'After closer inspection, I noticed several discrepancies that indicated these products were not genuine. 'The packaging and branding differ from authentic Labubu collectables. I have also verified that the QR code on them does not go to the correct website of the manufacturer.' The telltale signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours, incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having exactly nine. Counterfeits also have missing UV authenticity stamps, introduced in 2024. The surge in fake goods has been traced back to factories in China, where production lines churn out thousands of knockoffs priced as low as £4 each. Chinese authorities have recently shut down several plants and seized more than 20,000 fake Labubu toys in a single day. Despite the crackdown, many of these fakes had already slipped through customs and into the hands of unsuspecting UK buyers. The surge in fake goods has been traced back to factories in China, where production lines churn out thousands of knockoffs priced as low as £4 each. Chinese authorities have recently shut down several plants and seized more than 20,000 fake Labubu toys in a single day. Despite the crackdown, many of these fakes had already slipped through customs and into the hands of unsuspecting UK buyers. East Ayrshire Trading Standards also issued a warning on Tuesday, saying it was "aware of concerns of safety and counterfeiting" of the popular dolls, urging potential buyers to "please take care". Pop Mart, the Beijing-based toy giant behind Labubu, has yet to comment publicly on the UK counterfeit wave. But insiders say the company is reportedly working with international customs and IP lawyers to stem the tide. Hazel Knowles added: 'To be on the safe side, only purchase Labubu toys from verified retailers. If the deal looks too good to be true - it probably is. 'With Labubu mania showing no signs of slowing, collectors are being urged to stay vigilant. 'It's like Pokémon in the '90s but with shoddy counterfeits flooding the market. These fakes are all over the place now.' Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox With official supplies out of stock at many US Pop Mart branches, enthusiasts there have also turned to resale sites. On one resale website, Labubus originally priced at around £37 are being sold for anywhere between £105 and £229. If you have a complaint or concern about goods or services, you can contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000. The helpline is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. You can chat to an advisor online or contact them via social media.
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scots kids 'heartbroken' by flood of fake Labubu dolls as counterfeit craze spirals out of control
Advice Direct Scotland said counterfeit Labubu dolls – the latest toy craze – were duping collectors, draining wallets and disappointing kids. Scots kids have been left "heartbroken" by a flood of fake Labubu toys as the counterfeit craze spirals out of control, a top consumer charity has revealed. Advice Direct Scotland said counterfeit Labubu dolls – the latest toy craze – were duping collectors, draining wallets and disappointing kids. The quirky, wide-eyed Labubu - a mischievous forest creature from the cult-favourite Pop Mart 'Monsters' series - have been spotted with celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Cher. But the toys have now become the latest victim of global counterfeiting. Originally designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu has exploded in popularity, with some rare editions fetching up to £135,000 at auction. And fakes are now pouring into Scotland. Hazel Knowles, consumer project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'We are concerned by the surge in fake Labubu toys flooding the Scottish market. 'These counterfeits are not only deceiving collectors and draining hard-earned money from families, but they're also leaving children heartbroken. 'We urge consumers to be vigilant, buy only from trusted retailers and report suspected fakes. 'No child should be disappointed by a counterfeit toy made with inferior materials. 'We've had reports that the counterfeit goods are of very poor quality and are not made to last at all.' Funny memes and TikTok videos have made the Labubu toys go viral turning the dolls into ultra-desirable collectibles. One dad, who turned to Advice Direct Scotland for support, said: 'After closer inspection, I noticed several discrepancies that indicated these products were not genuine. 'The packaging and branding differ from authentic Labubu collectables. I have also verified that the QR code on them does not go to the correct website of the manufacturer.' The telltale signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours, incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having exactly nine. Counterfeits also have missing UV authenticity stamps, introduced in 2024. The surge in fake goods has been traced back to factories in China, where production lines churn out thousands of knockoffs priced as low as £4 each. Chinese authorities have recently shut down several plants and seized more than 20,000 fake Labubu toys in a single day. Despite the crackdown, many of these fakes had already slipped through customs and into the hands of unsuspecting UK buyers. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. East Ayrshire Trading Standards also issued a warning on Tuesday, saying it was "aware of concerns of safety and counterfeiting" of the popular dolls, urging potential buyers to "please take care". Pop Mart, the Beijing-based toy giant behind Labubu, has yet to comment publicly on the UK counterfeit wave. But insiders say the company is reportedly working with international customs and IP lawyers to stem the tide. Hazel Knowles added: 'To be on the safe side, only purchase Labubu toys from verified retailers. If the deal looks too good to be true - it probably is. 'With Labubu mania showing no signs of slowing, collectors are being urged to stay vigilant. 'It's like Pokémon in the '90s but with shoddy counterfeits flooding the market. These fakes are all over the place now.' With official supplies out of stock at many US Pop Mart branches, enthusiasts there have also turned to resale sites. On one resale website, Labubus originally priced at around £37 are being sold for anywhere between £105 and £229. If you have a complaint or concern about goods or services, you can contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000. The helpline is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. You can chat to an advisor online or contact them via social media.
