Brand Finance releases two reports during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 20, 2026. Brand Finance, a London-based brand valuation consultancy, on Tuesday released two reports in Davos, Switzerland, highly praising the global value of Chinese brands and China's soft power. (Brand Finance/Handout via Xinhua)
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Brand Finance, a London-based brand valuation consultancy, on Tuesday released two reports in Davos, Switzerland, highly praising the global value of Chinese brands and China's soft power.
Its Global 500 2026 report, a leading annual ranking of the world's most valuable and strongest brands, shows that the total value of Chinese brands included in the ranking reached a record high. A total of 68 Chinese brands entered the Global 500 list, accounting for 15.1 percent of the total brand value of the ranking.
In terms of the number of brands on the list, China ranked second globally, behind only the United States. Many Chinese brands are now among the world's leaders in their respective sectors, with particularly strong performance in technology, utilities, and finance, the report noted.
China's top-ranked brand, TikTok/Douyin, climbed one place to sixth, following a 45 percent increase in brand value to 153.5 billion U.S. dollars, supported by its expansion and strong user engagement across markets.
Also drawing wide attention, BYD's brand value rose by 23 percent to 17.3 billion dollars in 2026, driven by robust growth in EV sales.
Another report, titled the Global Soft Power Index 2026, shows that China is the only nation in the top 10 to see its soft power score rise this year.
Brand Finance said that China's soft power gains are underpinned by a long-term program, ranging from the Belt and Road investments, scientific and technological advancement, sustainability reforms, to building global product brands and facilitating cultural engagement.
These improvements illustrate that audiences now engage with China "as a country offering approachable experiences and cultural resonance," it added.
According to the report, China continues to consolidate its core strengths, systematically reinforcing perceptions in Business & Trade (+2 to 2nd) and Education & Science (+2 to 1st) where it projects credibility and reliability.
China, the report added, now ranks first globally not only for ease of doing business and future growth potential, but also for technology and innovation, and advanced science.
David Haigh, chairman and CEO of Brand Finance, said that Chinese brands are demonstrating strong resilience and innovation, and are well positioned to further enhance their influence.
Founded in 1996, Brand Finance is a leading global brand valuation consultancy. Its annual reports use data-driven valuation methodologies and cross-sector research, and have become important benchmarks for measuring brand value worldwide.
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