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Mediawan China & BYD International Partner to Distribute Chinese Content Globally

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 6:14 GMT by Variety

CANNES, France - January 8, 2026 - In a move poised to significantly reshape the international distribution landscape for Chinese content, Mediawan China and BYD International have announced a strategic partnership. The alliance, revealed at the Series Mania Forum in Lille, France, aims to overcome longstanding barriers to access and propel high-quality Chinese films and series onto the global stage.

Mediawan China, the Asian arm of the prominent independent European media group Mediawan, brings to the table a robust production infrastructure within China and ownership of a substantial catalog of Chinese-produced content. BYD International, a perhaps surprising but increasingly influential player, functions as the content distribution division of the automotive and technology giant BYD - best known for its electric vehicles. This partnership marries creative content generation with a powerful, expanding global distribution network.

Xu Qing, CEO of Mediawan China, highlighted the core issue the partnership seeks to address: "There is a strong demand for high-quality Chinese storytelling. However, access to this content can be challenging for international buyers." For years, international broadcasters and streaming platforms have expressed interest in diversifying their offerings with compelling content from China, but navigating licensing agreements, cultural nuances, and logistical hurdles has proven difficult. Mediawan China, with its established presence and relationships within the Chinese media landscape, is well-positioned to curate and prepare content for international audiences. BYD International provides the key to unlocking distribution across multiple territories.

Jason Cao, Head of Content at BYD International, echoed this sentiment, stating, "We are dedicated to bringing the best of Chinese content to the world stage. This collaboration with Mediawan China aligns perfectly with our strategy of offering diverse and compelling storytelling to international audiences." The move marks a significant expansion of BYD International's content portfolio. While initially known for leveraging content deals to promote brand awareness alongside its EV sales in key markets, the company is clearly signaling a longer-term commitment to becoming a serious player in the global content distribution market.

The initial phase of the partnership will concentrate on distributing Mediawan China's extensive existing catalog. This includes a diverse range of genres, from historical dramas and contemporary romance to action thrillers and family-friendly entertainment. Details about specific titles have not yet been released, but Mediawan China has indicated a focus on content with broad international appeal. Sources suggest several critically acclaimed series, previously unavailable outside of China, are slated for immediate distribution.

However, the companies aren't stopping at distribution. A key component of their strategy is the planned development of joint co-productions. This move is particularly significant, as it represents a commitment to creating new content specifically tailored for international markets, rather than simply repackaging existing material. Co-productions will allow both companies to share creative and financial risks, while also leveraging their respective expertise - Mediawan China's understanding of the Chinese market and BYD International's global reach.

The timing of this partnership is particularly noteworthy. The demand for pan-Asian content - encompassing not just China, but also South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia - is experiencing a surge. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video are actively seeking to expand their libraries with content that caters to diverse audiences. This demand is fueled by a growing global appetite for stories that offer fresh perspectives and cultural experiences. The rise of K-dramas has demonstrably proven the viability of non-Western content in international markets.

Industry analysts predict this partnership could be a game-changer, paving the way for greater access to Chinese storytelling and fostering a more inclusive and diverse media landscape. The success of the venture will depend on careful curation, effective marketing, and an understanding of the cultural sensitivities of different markets. However, with the combined strengths of Mediawan China and BYD International, the future of Chinese content on the global stage appears brighter than ever. The ability of BYD to leverage its existing international infrastructure - including sales and service networks - offers a distinct advantage in penetrating new markets and building brand recognition for the distributed content.