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

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

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US-China relations

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

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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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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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Women dressed in traditional costumes brave sub-zero temperatures during a visit to Beijing’s Forbidden City on March 5. Photo: Robert Ng
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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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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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
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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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.

A sculpture of Norman Bethune, a Canadian surgeon and communist, at the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing on August 31, 2025. Photo: Eugene Lee
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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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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The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1956) is among much-loved cinematic classics that have for decades been enjoyed in China dubbed into Chinese. But audiences are shifting away from dubbed productions. Photo: Paris Film Productions
China-South Korea relations

What’s behind the surge in South Koreans travelling to China?

Wave of content creators documents life on mainland, with one saying ‘the window has opened and everyone wants to take a look inside’.

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About 3.16 million South Korean visitors travelled to China in 2025, a 36.9 per cent increase from 2024. Photo: Xinhua
US, Israel war on Iran

Why spike in fertiliser prices could boost China’s political clout

Beijing could see its regional leverage grow as the Iran war hits supply, though weaponisation of exports is unlikely, analysts say.

Art Basel

How Art Basel Hong Kong is fuelling the Greater Bay Area’s cultural ambitions

Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen are lavishing money on art venues and shows, but can really this buy them lasting cultural capital?

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