a day ago
China embraces US YouTubers in push to enhance soft power
U.S. YouTuber Darren Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, is seen during a boat trip in Hong Kong on April 4, © Reuters
WATARU SUZUKI
SHANGHAI -- American YouTube sensation MrBeast has become the latest internet celebrity to enter China's competitive social media landscape, fueling growth opportunities for Chinese companies and a government seeking to tap into his vast fan base.
China's internet censors block such global platforms as YouTube and X, so foreigners who establish a presence on Chinese platforms gain access to the country's 1.1 billion internet users.
