The agreement, announced on Wednesday (June 3) and structured in partnership with Zhang‘s personal label, Planet Culture, covers his future recorded music, artist management, live performance, international presence and broader strategic development.
Zhang, known in China as Zhang Jie, has built a career spanning more than two decades, having risen to prominence in the mid-2000s.
He founded his personal label, Planet Culture, in 2016.
He has released more than 17 albums and EPs, and counts a fanbase of over 100 million followers across Chinese social media platforms, according to UMGC.
“Universal Music has built solid roots in the Greater China music industry and understands the original aspirations of Chinese musicians, alongside a well-established global music network. Without a doubt, it is the perfect partner for my next musical journey.”
Jason Zhang
In 2014, he became the first Chinese singer to win the International Artist Award at the American Music Awards.
In spring 2026, Zhang completed a run of 16 sold-out shows in 24 days at Beijing National Stadium, the venue known as the Bird’s Nest.
The run drew total attendance of more than one million and set a record for the most shows ever staged in a single-stop stadium run, according to UMGC.
It formed part of his FUTURE·LIVE – Leave For 1982 World Tour, described by UMGC as the most ambitious of his career to date.
“We’re delighted to welcome Jason Zhang to UMGC, whose exceptional musical talent has had great impact on Chinese music and culture,” said Timothy Xu, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China. Xu formerly served as Chairman & CEO, Greater China for Sony Music.
“This new, holistic relationship is designed to support the next stage of Jason’s career, and in partnership with his personal label Planet Culture we look forward to taking his music to new audiences – in China, and internationally.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Jason Zhang to UMGC, whose exceptional musical talent has had great impact on Chinese music and culture.”
Timothy Xu, Universal Music Greater China
“Universal Music has built solid roots in the Greater China music industry and understands the original aspirations of Chinese musicians, alongside a well-established global music network. Without a doubt, it is the perfect partner for my next musical journey,” said Zhang.
“Going forward, the whole team at Planet Culture and I will work hand in hand with Universal,” he added.
“Rooted in domestic Chinese music, we will polish authentic works meticulously, introducing original Mandarin pop across Asia and to the rest of the globe, enabling global audiences to feel the power of integrated Mandopop.”
Xu has set out a strategy of running UMGC as a “domestic company with international resources”, and in an interview with MBW said he believes Chinese pop will be the next genre to go global.
As it expanded its presence in the market, UMGsigned Jay Chou, billed by the company as the “King of Mandopop”, along with his label JVR Music, in December 2023.
Under Xu, UMGC has also launchedBlue Note China and Deutsche Grammophon China in May 2025, followed byDef Jam Recordings China in January 2026.Music Business Worldwide
