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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.
(From left) China’s First lady Peng Liyuan, China’s President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump pose on the North Portico steps of the White House on September 24, 2026. Photo: AFP
2026 Xi-Trump summits

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

Even small details and gestures during Xi and Trump’s summit in Washington were rife with meaning.

2026 Xi-Trump summits

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

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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

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

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Washington and Beijing have faced persistent tensions over trade, technology and national security. Photo: AP
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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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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US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet China’s President Xi Jinping in Washington this week. A new poll shows more Americans favour engagement with China over containment. Photo: AP
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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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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Lindsay Shaw sits outside her home in Sterling, northern Virginia, located across from a huge data centre. Photo: Handout
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.

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.

(From left) Donnie Wong, Andrew Bui and Mihi Matshingana are among a surge of Cantonese-speaking influencers making a splash on social media this year. Photos: Donnie Wong, Andrew Bui, Frites Macau
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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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.

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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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Illustration: Craig Stephens
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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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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Lenovo says its technology will support Fifa tournament operations, team analytics and offside decisions during the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Handout
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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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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An AI-made video by Chinese state media mocking the United States is seen on a mobile phone in Beijing on April 6. China has been engaged in an intense war of narratives with the US in recent years. Photo: AP
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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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.

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