On the 20th, Brand Finance, a brand valuation agency headquartered in London, UK, released a report in Davos, Switzerland, highly praising the global value of Chinese brands and China's soft power. David Haigh, founder and chairman of Brand Finance, stated that Chinese brands are demonstrating strong adaptability and innovation, and are expected to further enhance their global brand discourse power.
In its "2026 Global Top 500 Brands by Brand Finance" report, Brand Finance stated that China is a significant driver of global brand value growth. The report revealed that the overall valuation of Chinese brands on the list reached a record high, with 68 Chinese brands making it to the Global Top 500 list, accounting for 15.1% of the total valuation of the Global Top 500. In terms of the number of brands on the list, China ranks second, only behind the United States. Several Chinese brands stand at the forefront of their respective industries globally, with particularly outstanding performances in technology, utilities, finance, and other sectors.
Another report titled "Global Soft Power Index 2026" shows that China is the only country among the top 10 to have seen an increase in its ranking, and ranks first globally in multiple indicators. Brand Finance stated that China's soft power has continued to improve in recent years, thanks to long-term planning, including investments related to the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, technological progress, sustainable development reforms, the creation of global product brands, and the promotion of cultural exchanges.
The report states that global audiences now perceive China as a country that offers an intimate experience and cultural resonance. The international recognition of Chinese tourism has increased, reflecting the growing appeal of Chinese cities, cultural heritage, and leisure resources, driven by visa facilitation policies and people-to-people exchanges. Cultural phenomena such as the globally popular designer toy "Labubu" in 2025, coupled with high recognition of Chinese brands and the growth in exports of new energy vehicles, have further expanded China's influence.
Brand Finance, founded in 1996, is a globally leading brand valuation consultancy. Its annual reports, such as the Global Top 500 Most Valuable Brands, have become significant references for measuring global brand value through data-driven valuation methods and cross-industry research.