What's happened
LeBron James visited China in 2025, marking a significant step in restoring NBA's relations after the 2019 Hong Kong controversy. His op-ed in Chinese state media emphasized basketball as a bridge, and his visit included meetings with Chinese players and fans, signaling efforts to repair the league's image in China.
What's behind the headline?
The NBA's recent outreach to China, exemplified by LeBron James' visit and op-ed, indicates a strategic effort to repair the league's damaged reputation. James' public statements and engagement with Chinese fans serve as soft diplomacy, leveraging basketball's cultural appeal to bridge political divides. This move is likely driven by economic imperatives, as China remains a lucrative market worth billions. The league's cautious approach suggests an understanding that full normalization will take time, balancing diplomatic sensitivity with commercial interests. The significance of this effort extends beyond sports, reflecting broader US-China relations and the importance of cultural diplomacy in easing geopolitical tensions. The success of these initiatives will depend on sustained engagement and the league's ability to navigate China's political landscape without alienating its global audience.
What the papers say
The Japan Times highlights the financial losses NBA faced after the 2019 controversy, with Silver estimating 'hundreds of millions' in losses. The Independent and AP News detail LeBron James' recent visit, emphasizing his role in basketball diplomacy and his positive reception in China. The South China Morning Post provides context on China's media coverage of James' trip, noting the rarity of foreign sports stars featured in state media, and underscores the league's ongoing efforts to re-establish its presence in China after the 2019 fallout. These sources collectively portray a nuanced picture of the NBA's strategic efforts to mend its relationship with China through high-profile visits and cultural engagement, amidst lingering political sensitivities.
How we got here
The NBA's presence in China declined sharply after 2019 when Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted support for Hong Kong protesters, leading to a ban on NBA broadcasts for over a year. Recent efforts, including visits by NBA stars and new pre-season games in Macau, aim to mend relations and rebuild the league's popularity in China, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and China.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Are US and China Using Diplomacy and Sports to Shape Global Relations?
Recent developments show the US and China engaging in strategic moves through diplomacy, economic deals, and even sports diplomacy. From LeBron James helping rebuild NBA-China ties to Pakistan's balancing act with major powers, these stories reveal how soft power and economic strategies influence international relations today. Curious about how these tactics work and what they mean for regional stability? Keep reading to find out.
More on these topics
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LeBron Raymone James Sr. is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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The National Basketball Association is an American men's professional basketball league. It is composed of 30 teams and is one of the four major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.