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China’s soft power

China’s soft power
The latest news, analysis and opinion on China’s soft power. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Former UN high commissioner for human rights Navanethem Pillay at at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasil on November 12, 2009. Photo: Reuters
Nobel Prize

Opinion | Nobel Peace Prize: the message behind Navi Pillay’s win

With global institutions under attack and Trump’s power politics on the rise, the award is a firm rejection of the ‘might is right’ doctrine.

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Transport and logistics

In Focus | Signal failure: how years of thin investment put German railways behind China’s

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

From body language to ping-pong, decoding the symbolism during Xi-Trump meeting

2026 Xi-Trump summits

China’s first lady Peng Liyuan shines during Xi-Trump summit: what you missed

From projecting soft power to her English capturing attention, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting on Peng Liyuan.

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Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan visits the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art with US First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday. Photo: AFP
Chinese diaspora

Opinion | China is leveraging its diaspora to boost the economy, unlike India

While Beijing has turned its diaspora into an extension of its domestic economy, New Delhi has largely allowed its diaspora to strengthen other economies.

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US-China relations

Americans are warming to China as Xi arrives for high-profile US visit: poll

China’s average rating has risen from 28 to 37 since 2021, with younger Americans and Democrats expressing warmer views.

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Hong Kong politics

President Xi Jinping calls on China, US youth to advance bilateral cooperation

In a reply to letter from students from US universities, Xi tells them to ‘shoulder the mission of the times’ ahead of state visit to Washington.

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A hundred and seventy US and Chinese students from Harvard, Columbia, Tsinghua and other universities toured Beijing, Jinan and Qufu from September 1 to 7, visiting landmarks such as the Forbidden City. Photo: Handout
US and Chinese students visit the Great Wall during the seven-day tour. Photo: Handout
2026 Xi-Trump summits

First ladies step forward as Trump lays on rare honours for Xi

Three-day itinerary from September 23 to 25 will feature extensive ceremonial honours along with dedicated cultural exchanges and events.

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US-China relations

Survey finds increasing number of Americans favour engagement with China

Beijing seen as less of a threat in Chicago Council on Global Affairs survey, although a partisan divide exists.

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United States

Opinion | The world is not so much embracing China as recoiling from Trump’s US

The US is haemorrhaging goodwill around the world, but China will have to build up its own trustworthiness and credibility to win hearts and minds.

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US President Donald Trump speaks to the media before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US, en route to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on August 21. Photo: Reuters
Diplomacy

Opinion | China wants to lead a multipolar world. Now it must show how

To translate its well-articulated vision into practice, Beijing must flesh out concrete mechanics, starting with institutional design.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
US-China relations

Trump says China drives anger at US data centres. These residents disagree

Community living near AI facility in Virginia reports invasive levels of noise, fumes and gas turbines – and it’s not Chinese propaganda.

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Chinese history

Why Chinese media says US historians are giving ‘ammunition’ to separatists

As ethnic issues grow ever more sensitive, Beijing is alleging the New Qing History movement seeks to fracture the nation.

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US-China relations

US immersion schools expand across country for early-age Chinese language study

While college enrolment in Chinese stalls, K-12 immersion schools are seeing renewed popularity as parents seek advantages for their children.

Preschoolers during Chinese language instruction in Portland, Oregon. Photo: Handout
Chinese culture

China challenges Western ‘tribute system’ theory in push for narrative control

Article by US billionaire investor Ray Dalio puts spotlight back on English term used to describe Chinese diplomatic and economic posture.

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Illustration: Mario Rivera
Cantonese

Want to learn Cantonese? These influencers are sparking a Canto revival

Influencers like Uncle Donnie, Andrew Bui and Mihi Matshingana are connecting a Cantonese-speaking diaspora and inspiring learning.

China economy

Opinion | China’s brands must outgrow diaspora bubble to hit soft power potential

Only through commercial independence and deep localisation can Chinese firms abroad forge a durable soft power that state policy can’t produce.

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China-Africa relations

How China is using film diplomacy to project a better image across Africa

From Burundi to Kenya to Morocco, film screenings, co-productions and cultural exchanges are helping to shape a new frontier of influence.

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Burundian drummers play at an event to open China Film Week, organised by the Chinese embassy in Bujumbura on July 15. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong stock market

What Labubu fatigue? Star investor buys bigger stake in Pop Mart

China’s answer to Warren Buffett now owns a 7.65 per cent stake in the toy brand, despite a lukewarm reception for the new Labubu Hair Salon series.

Diplomacy

Opinion | Slowly but surely, China’s soft power is making itself felt

With trusted businesses, more openness, creative culture and inspiring sporting successes, China is building a foundation for influence.

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China-France relations

China’s Shein to be ousted from Paris store after other brands flee

New BHV Marais owners say Chinese fast-fashion heavyweight should leave by Christmas after brands pulled out in protest.

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The BHV Marais department store in Paris, whose new owners plan to end a controversial partnership with Shein after describing it as a strategic mistake. Photo: AFP
China-Asean relations

Dear You – the Chinese migration film igniting a propaganda debate in Southeast Asia

Some are worried that the Teochew-language drama represents a new, softer era of propaganda targeting the diaspora.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
US-China relations

China missed the World Cup. Its brands didn’t

From broadcast operations to sponsorships, Chinese companies hold key roles at football’s biggest event despite geopolitical friction.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | Norman Bethune’s story still holds lessons for China-Canada relations

The Canadian doctor, hailed a hero in China, was driven by personal conviction; there are others today, tilling the soil of Sino-Canadian friendship.

US-China relations

How Chinese drink chains are testing the limits of soft power

New tea and coffee brands from China are winning customers across America, but their broader influence remains unclear.

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Illustration: Brian Wang
US-China relations

As I see it | Has China just ended the end of history?

As China continues to thrive, Western observers are beginning to rethink past assumptions about the country’s future.

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Tourists visit the Huangyao ancient town in Zhaoping county, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on May 3. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

China urged to forge ‘spear’ for cognitive warfare amid great power rivalry

Prominent academics call on Beijing to move beyond ‘passive mindset’ and shape international public opinion favourable to its interests.

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Chinese culture

Why are modern Chinese audiences shying away from dubbed films?

Greater subtitle literacy among streaming viewers is among factors chipping away at enthusiasm for dubbed movies in China.

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