China soft power – The Diplomat

China’s Preference for Hard Power Is Creating Major Headaches for Beijing

Guy C. Charlton and Xiang Gao — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 22:43:00 +0900

Taiwan’s election result points to a broader trend: China is failing to use soft power effectively, and paying the reputational price.

China Seeks an Image Makeover in Sri Lanka

Rathindra Kuruwita — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 17:13:00 +0900

To project itself as a more benevolent power, it is providing dry rations to Sri Lankans.

China’s Educational Soft Power Is Seeing Results in Indonesia

Azis Anwar Fahcrodin — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 11:10:00 +0900

Generous government scholarships have generated positive impressions of China – and even an impulse to defend its policies in the face of Western criticism.

China’s Foreign PR Enablers

Sarah Cook — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 03:23:00 +0900

Public relations firms based in target countries play a critical role in the Chinese government’s global propaganda system.

Genshin Impact and Chinese Nationalism

Song Tang — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 01:04:00 +0900

The mega-success of the RPG is seen as a win for China’s soft power.

Belt and Road Buddhism in Sri Lanka?

Tabita Rosendal — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 02:16:00 +0900

China is using Buddhist narratives to promote its soft power in Sri Lanka – and bolster its image as a harmonious regional power.

Laos and ‘Xiplomacy’

Sribala Subramanian — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 14:02:00 +0900

China’s leader has leveraged a boyhood connection into a blooming strategic partnership.

China’s ‘Think-Tank Diplomacy’ is Gaining Traction in Indonesia

Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 10:05:00 +0900

Partnerships between Indonesian and Chinese research institutes are an increasingly prominent part of Beijing's "soft power" strategy. Are they working?

China’s Poor Global Image Is Undermining Its Strategic Goals

Joshua Kurlantzick — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 10:36:00 +0900

From Europe and North America to the Global South, trust in Beijing has rapidly deteriorated over the past few years.

Assessing the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics: Soft Power, Politics, and the Future of the Games

Mercy A. Kuo — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:38:00 +0900

Insights from Susan Brownell.

Beijing’s Public Diplomacy in South And Central Asia

Mercy A. Kuo — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 05:06:00 +0900

Insights from Samantha Custer.

Will China’s Railway in Laos Help Bolster Its ‘Soft Power’?

Daniele Carminati — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 05:08:00 +0900

The inauguration of the long-promised rail line offers Beijing a chance to burnish its image in mainland Southeast Asia.

‘Produce Camp 2021’ and the Chinese Dream

Song Tang — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 00:19:00 +0900

The boy band elimination show promotes the image of China as a culturally influential and friendly country — a key goal of the Chinese Dream.

The Ups and Downs of Soft Power in the Asia-Pacific

Daniele Carminati — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 12:41:00 +0900

The coronavirus pandemic has shifted the relative "soft power" standing of leading powers.

China’s Soft Power Grows in the Philippines

Jason Hung — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 04:51:00 +0900

China is using a targeted expansion of its pop culture and media in the Philippines to promote pro-China narratives and content.

In Indonesia, Confucius Institutes Struggle to Dislodge Anti-Chinese Sentiment

Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and M. Habib Pashya — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 12:26:00 +0900

Despite Beijing's best efforts at public diplomacy, suspicion is widespread among the Indonesian public.

China and the World: Can China Lead?

Jongsoo Lee — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 22:08:00 +0900

An interview with William Kirby on China's ambitions, soft power, and education.

No, China Doesn’t Think Decades Ahead in Its Diplomacy

Andreea Brînză — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:25:00 +0900

China’s foreign policy reflects short or medium term planning, far from the myth of generational or centennial timelines.

Will Internet Celebrities Become China’s New Channel for Projecting Soft Power?

Jo Kim — Tue, 05 May 2020 21:49:00 +0900

Can the CCP co-opt the popularity of social media darlings like Li Ziqi without running their global appeal?

Latin America Used To Be Positive Toward China. COVID-19 Might Change That.

Igor Patrick — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 19:58:00 +0900

Like other regions, Latin America has seen a rise in anti-Chinese rhetoric since the outbreak began.

Can Mozambique Learn to Love China?

Ari Rickman — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 06:54:00 +0900

China is attempting to build a soft power network across Africa. The experience of the Confucius Institute in Mozambique suggests the effort is only partially successful.

China, Australia, and the Soft Power of Rugby in the South Pacific

Thomas Wilkinson — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 00:01:00 +0900

Samoa will host a rugby tournament, thanks to Chinese funding. But Australia sees the sport as its own soft power advantage.

Foreign Students and China’s Soft Power: The Case of Uganda

Benjamin Mulvey — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 04:09:00 +0900

The link between Ugandan students in China and Chinese influence in Uganda is more complicated than it appears.

China and the Military World Games

Eleanor Albert — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 21:13:00 +0900

As China lauds the success of the 2019 games in Wuhan, let's look at why Beijing is interested in such events at all.

Questioning Yenching Scholars Won't Solve America's China Conundrum

Erin Dunne — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 23:51:00 +0900

The U.S. needs a more comprehensive approach to address concerns about China's soft power.

Poll: Australians Sour on China

Kelsey Munro — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 22:39:00 +0900

The Lowy Institute's latest poll fits with a larger trend: China's soft power efforts are falling flat.

Why Did China’s Foreign Ministry Make Its Debut on Weibo?

Muhsin Puthan Purayil — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 22:20:00 +0900

Explaining MOFA’s foray into domestic public diplomacy.

The Dalai Lama and China’s Quest for Buddhist Soft Power

Rinzin Dorjee — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 23:19:00 +0900

China is trying to woo Buddhists around the world to support the Belt and Road -- and, eventually, a CCP-approved Dalai Lama.

Israeli Perceptions of China: Implications for the United States

Mercy A. Kuo — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 03:40:00 +0900

Insights from Carice Witte.

How China Wins Friends and Influences People

Shannon Tiezzi — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 21:14:00 +0900

A new study from AidData attempts to quantify China's public diplomacy efforts in East Asia.

Time to Counter China and Rebuild the US Navy?

Bonnie Girard — Wed, 23 May 2018 22:38:00 +0900

A former U.S. Pacific Fleet Naval Intelligence chief testifies to Congress on China's maritime ambitions.

The Stumbling Block to China's Soft Power

Andrew McCormick — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 22:06:00 +0900

China's struggles with multiculturalism and race issues will hinder its soft power overseas.

China's Massive Government Overhaul: What You Need to Know

Shannon Tiezzi — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 00:18:00 +0900

A brief rundown of the changes and what they reveal about Beijing's priorities and ambitions.

Can Soft Power Help Repair China-India Ties?

Tridivesh Singh Maini — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 00:59:00 +0900

Bollywood and student exchanges can help change the negative narrative in China-India relations.

The Real Source of China's Soft Power

Thomas Barker — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 00:06:00 +0900

Chinese soft power is not measured by blockbuster films, but by the appeal of its development model.

China’s Party Congress Hints at Media Strategy for a ‘New Era’

Sarah Cook — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 01:40:00 +0900

China stresses party dominance, innovative propaganda, cultural influence, and globalization of its governance model.

China’s Panda Diplomacy

Andreas Pacher — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 23:03:00 +0900

Like Confucius Institutes, pandas are one of China’s most potent tools in foreign relations.

Get Ready for an Even More Assertive China

Yu Tao — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 23:24:00 +0900

China will become a more proactive international player under Xi’s leadership.

China Plays Up ASEAN Confucius Institute Presence With Laos Project

Prashanth Parameswaran — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 23:59:00 +0900

A new project spotlights Beijing’s use of these institutions within broader ASEAN-China ties.

This Is the Achilles’ Heel of China’s Soft Power Projection Towards Developing Countries

Patrik K. Meyer — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 03:24:00 +0900

China must make a concerted effort to equip Chinese citizens with the necessary sociocultural tools to build respectful and long-term people-to-people relations.

Will the Doklam Standoff Lead to a Second India-China War?

Rajeesh Kumar — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:56:00 +0900

Both India and China have every incentive not to go to war.

5 Challenges in China’s Campaign for International Influence

Jin Kai — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 21:54:00 +0900

As China seeks to shape global narratives, it will face a number of difficulties.

China’s Southeast Asia Gambit

Gatra Priyandita and Trissia Wijaya — Wed, 31 May 2017 01:36:00 +0900

"China paradoxically presents both threats and opportunities to Southeast Asia."

Tajikistan Takes Up Chinese

Katherine Long — Tue, 23 May 2017 21:04:00 +0900

Chinese classes are on the rise, but still not a priority for Tajik students.

What Kind of Think Tanks Does China Want to Establish?

DD Wu — Fri, 05 May 2017 03:58:00 +0900

China aims to establish think tanks with Chinese characteristics and enhance national soft power.

China’s Media Foothold Expands to the Gulf

Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 00:55:00 +0900

USILK, which provides Arabic-language Chinese programming, is just the latest move in China's media expansion.

China’s ‘Great Wall’: Conquering the World With Cinema

Antonina Luszczykiewicz and Krzysztof Iwanek — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 22:23:00 +0900

Despite being deeply rooted in Chinese culture, the film engages the Western viewer with a clear message.

The Obstacles to China's Bid for Soft Power

John Ford — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 04:01:00 +0900

China’s president wants to be seen as leading the defense of globalization, but this will be easier said than done.

US-China Relations: Public Diplomacy and Soft Power

Mercy A. Kuo — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 22:31:00 +0900

Insights from Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch.

The Chinese Communist Party International Department: Overlooked yet Ever Present

David Gitter and Leah Fang — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 23:19:00 +0900

Even seasoned China hands have often overlooked one of the most authoritative channels of CPC influence and power.

The South China Sea Ruling: Reinforcing China's Negative Image in Japan

Santosh Sharma Poudel — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 00:20:00 +0900

China's refusal to abide by international rules and norms contributes to its negative image in Japan.

China-Nigeria Relations: A Success Story for Beijing's Soft Power

Samuel Ramani — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 07:16:00 +0900

According to one survey, Nigeria has the world's most positive view of China.

Reality or PR: Russia's Rising 'Soft Power' Clout

Casey Michel — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 00:41:00 +0900

A London-based PR firm places Russia ahead of China on a list of 'soft power' prowess.

A Tale of 2 Diplomats: China’s Soft Power Conundrum

Chengxin Pan — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 23:51:00 +0900

Wang Yi's run-in with a Canadian journalist illustrates the "clash of discourses" between China and the West.

The Rise of China vs. the Rise of the Chinese

Jin Kai — Fri, 13 May 2016 16:19:00 +0900

How is China's rise benefiting China's people?

Is Football the Key to China's Soft Power Push?

Aédán Mordecai — Thu, 05 May 2016 22:18:00 +0900

Could China produce the next Leicester City?

President Trump: The View From China

Zhibo Qiu — Thu, 05 May 2016 00:27:00 +0900

Trump's overall policies are a mixed bag for China, but his stance on U.S. leadership opens doors for Beijing.

China's Medical Diplomacy

David Volodzko — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 22:52:00 +0900

China's latest contribution to the WHO is part of a long history of using medical diplomacy as soft power.

One Belt, One Road, One Heritage: Cultural Diplomacy and the Silk Road

Tim Winter — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 02:31:00 +0900

The cultural aspects of the Belt and Road could forever reshape regional politics and security.

China's Wanda Group Purchases Hollywood Film Studio

Shannon Tiezzi — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 00:53:00 +0900

Jurassic World 2 will be brought to you by China: Wanda Group acquires Legendary Entertainment.

The UK: A Success Story for China’s Educational Soft Power

Bochen Han — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:39:00 +0900

Unlike other Western countries, Britain is eager to welcome China's Confucius Institutes and educational outreach.

Can China and South Korea Capitalize on Their Cultural Connections?

Jin Kai — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 21:49:00 +0900

Despite a shared background in Confucianism, these cultural traditions are interpreted differently in China and Korea.

The World Doesn't Think Much of China’s Leaders (Literally)

Shannon Tiezzi — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 05:16:00 +0900

China's leaders are most popular in Africa, but face high disapproval ratings in the West and parts of Asia.

China’s Soft Power Obsession

Xie Tao — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 21:56:00 +0900

China needs to rethink its quest for soft power.

Food and Fairy Tales: A New Era in Chinese Propaganda

David Volodzko — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 22:40:00 +0900

We're seeing a new wave of individually-driven, non-political programs that present the softer side of China.

China's Quest for Global Influence - Through Think Tanks

Shannon Tiezzi — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 04:23:00 +0900

A new policy document outlines China's strategy for creating "think tanks with Chinese characteristics."

Tourists Behaving Badly: China's Image Problem

Jin Kai — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 23:56:00 +0900

There is a disconnect between China's growing national power and the international image of the Chinese people.

'Moral Art,' Mao Zedong, and the CCP's Quest for Soft Power

Shannon Tiezzi — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 03:28:00 +0900

Xi's Maoist vision for control over Chinese art is at odds with China's quest to expand its cultural influence abroad.

The Future of China's Confucius Institutes

Shannon Tiezzi — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:42:00 +0900

As Western universities drag their feet, the future of China’s soft power push might be in the developing world.

Confucius Institutes: Hardly a Threat to Academic Freedoms

Edward A. McCord — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 11:26:00 +0900

There is little evidence to suggest Confucius Institutes on U.S. campuses restrain academic freedoms.

China and Nation Branding

Nicholas Dynon — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 18:13:00 +0900

Beijing’s “all-culture” focus is delivering a poor return on its soft power investment.

What Kind of Power Does a Rising China Need?

Jin Kai — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 22:48:00 +0900

China has mainly focused on economic power, but other types of reform will shape its continued rise.

Soft Power and China-Japan Relations

Ankit Panda — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 05:29:00 +0900

Soft power won't solve all problems for these East Asian neighbors, but it can ease the path away from brinksmanship.

Why China Isn’t Going to Collapse (Quickly)

Sat, 26 Oct 2013 02:53:00 +0900

Plus, the Chinese government turns its focus on developing Xi’an as a global business hub. Friday China links.

China Embraces Peacekeeping Missions

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 04:15:00 +0900

A historical transformation is underway as China begins sending combat forces to UN operations.

Soft Power: A U.S.-China Battleground?

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:44:53 +0900

Recent comments suggest China’s authorities are increasingly aware of the need to match U.S. soft power.