Overview
- Iger met Ding Xuexiang in Beijing on Jan. 9, with state media quoting the Disney CEO saying the company will expand its investment in China.
- Ding said China will promote high-quality development and welcomes companies like Disney to increase their investment and footprint.
- The meeting marks a public shift from last year's Chinese warnings about reducing Hollywood imports in response to U.S. tariffs.
- Disney operates Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disney Resort and holds minority stakes of about 48% and 43% in those resorts, respectively.
- Industry chatter about a possible third mainland resort has intensified following the talks, though no project has been announced or approved, as Disney enjoys renewed box-office strength in China led by Zootopia 2.