Thread by @asia_markets

#China has only ever made one appearance at a #FIFAWorldCup (in 2002). But the nation's influence at the #QatarWorldCup2022 is enormous.

1/6 🧵 - What is #China's influence in #Qatar2022 👇

2/6 - 70% of offical #WorldCup2022 related products and merchandise is made in China. This includes footballs, clothing, buses and air conditioners.

3/6 - Of note: China's Yutong Bus manufactured 1,500 electric busses for the event. China's Midea Group manufactured 2,500 Midea air conditioners used in 100 security check centers across seven venues.

4/6 - The China state-owned China Railway Construction Corporation was contracted to build the #QatarWorldCup's main stadium, Lusail Stadium. It is the first time a Chinese company has built a World Cup venue.

5/6 - Chinese companies are the biggest-spending sponsors at the #QatarWorldCup2022. Chinese companies account for US$1.395 billion in sponsorship $$'s. Sponsors include: Wanda Group, Vivo, Mengniu Dairy & Hisense.

6/6 - Xi Jinping’s has publicly stated he wants China to be a football powerhouse, announcing policies to improve the state of Chinese #football including increasing the number of schools with football pitches 10-fold by 2025.