Disney CEO, Chinese official meet as 'House of Mouse' navigates US‑China tensions

BEIJING – One of China’s top officials met with Disney CEO Bob Iger in Beijing on Friday, state media reported, as the “House of Mouse” seeks to strengthen its presence in the world’s second-largest economy amid tense U.S.-China relations.

Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang encouraged Iger to increase Disney’s investment in China, a notable change from Beijing’s warning last April that it might further restrict imports of Hollywood films in response to U.S. tariffs.

China’s $19 trillion economy presents a complex business environment for U.S. film studios. The country’s young, affluent urban middle class offers a lucrative audience for theme parks, but Beijing strictly limits the number of foreign films allowed each year, potentially affecting interest in the franchises that drive visitors to the parks.

Iger expanded Disney’s media empire through high-profile acquisitions, including Pixar, Marvel, and the Star Wars franchise, and oversaw the opening of Shanghai Disneyland.

For three decades, China has capped Hollywood imports at just 10 films a year and has increasingly guided Chinese audiences toward domestically produced movies, now a dominant force in the world’s second-largest film market.

Last year, Chinese moviegoers propelled Ne Zha 2 past Pixar’s Inside Out 2, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Analysts estimate that Hollywood films account for only about 5% of China’s total box office receipts.

Despite these challenges, Disney and Universal Studios have opened theme parks in Shanghai and Beijing, respectively. Iger’s visit is likely to fuel speculation that Disney may plan a second amusement park in China.

“Disney is full of confidence in China’s development and will continue to expand investment in China,” Iger said.

-Reporting by Joe Cash; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Stephen Coates/Reuters