600 million people watched the same TV show – I was one of them

This Chinese New Year’s Eve, I joined roughly 600 million other viewers in front of the screen for the big live gala from China. Part variety show, part tech expo, part political theatre, part “don’t forget your roots” reminder. It had everything, except the thing I had planned: relaxing.

After more than ten years abroad, I seem to have lost the ability to simply “watch and relax”. Curiosity does not come with an off switch. So I watched with the dial turned all the way up.

Here is what stood out.

First: kung-fu robots don’t just kick, they signal

One of the most impressive moments was the robotics: kung-fu-style robots moving with the precision of a very well-rehearsed ensemble. This was not a cute gimmick. It was an intentional message: we can do high-end robotics at scale.

In a world that looks to Silicon Valley (and Elon Musk) for tech disruption, the show said: we are here too, and we are not playing in the junior league.

For anyone in manufacturing or AI, it is a clear reminder. In China, robotics is not a niche side project. It is prime-time entertainment.

Second: more international acts means “we’re open for business”

Compared with previous years, there were noticeably more international performers and elements. It felt like a carefully painted picture of a China that welcomes global culture, collaboration and exchange.

If you squint, you can read it as a soft message to Western leaders, Donald Trump included: despite tensions and tariffs, we are still connected to the world, and we plan to stay that way.

For someone who has spent years running a German company, that matters. It underlines that “decoupling” is much harder than political slogans suggest. Slogans are cheap. Supply chains are not.

Third: tradition, military and Taiwan on the same stage

The show mixed traditional dances, costumes and music with strong displays of the military and some subtle messages towards the East, Taiwan included. The choreography said: we honour our heritage, we are strong, and we stand together.

The tone was not aggressive, but the intention was very firm. To me it read as a message to Taiwan and the wider world: do not underestimate us, and do not assume we will sit quietly on the sidelines.

In the middle of ongoing global conflicts, the show also projected an image of China standing tall and stable. Whether or not one agrees with that narrative, it is clearly the story China wants the world to see.

Fourth: behind the glitter, the messages are very real

Let’s be honest. From a Western perspective, parts of the show can feel artificial, over-choreographed and polished to a high shine. You might even dislike the style.

But look beyond the glitter and you notice how carefully everything was designed: robots for innovation, international acts for openness, the military for strength, tradition for continuity.

I try not to judge too quickly. Instead I ask: what story are they telling themselves – and us? Understanding that story is crucial if we want to navigate global politics, AI, robotics and business with open eyes.

My takeaway as one of 600 million

If you want to understand a country, don’t just read the news. Watch the shows that 600 million people choose (or are encouraged) to watch.

One may dislike the artificial gloss. It is much harder to dislike how well the message was built – not just for a domestic audience, but for the whole world.

Bread and Rice is an ongoing series about life between two cultures: a German husband, his Chinese wife, and the small negotiations, misunderstandings and discoveries that fill a bicultural life.