“Soft” Power of China: Efficiency and Response to the Current Challenges

Abstract

The features of the “soft” power of the PRC, which are significantly based on its indicators of "hard" power – economic and military power, – have been studied. It is noted that there is a difference in the assessment of the state of “soft” power of China by Western countries and, accordingly, by China itself. Emphasis was placed on the prospects for the embodiment of China’s cultural “soft” power and its obstacles. Vulnerabilities in China’s “soft” power have been explored, including the political system and civil society. The importance of the tools of "mask" and "vaccine" diplomacy in the arsenal of "soft" power of China used to minimize the negative effects of the pandemic on China’s image and elevate its status as a leader in global health, have been analyzed. The effectiveness of the Chinese “soft” power has been analyzed through the studies conducted by the “Pew Research Centre” and “Portland Communication” agency. The importance of economic “soft” power in China’s conquest of new allies, including Asia and Africa, has been noted. It is emphasized that the most successful “soft” power is among countries where China is not burdened with accusations of human rights violations. It is noted that one of the main problems in China’s implementation of “soft” power policy is the dissonance between the image that China seeks to project and the country’s actions.

The Winner Takes It All?: Innovations of China’s Soft Power Strategies

“…While the nation's economic strength enhances its attractiveness and influence, critiques suggest that its soft power is heavily dependent on economic prowess, hence not as 'soft' as claimed. 74 They argue that the most successful 'soft' power is among countries where China is not burdened with accusations of human rights violations. It is noted that one of the main problems in China's implementation of 'soft' power strategy is the dissonance between the image that China seeks to project and the country's reality.…”

Principles of organization and efficiency of China’s Political System in modern conditions

“…At the same time, Vedeneev (2020), exploring the doctrines and practices of "soft power" and public diplomacy at the international level, has established that China is its active supporter in the process of implementing its own state policy, forasmuch as it adheres to the model of "socialism with Chinese features" and achieves enhancing its image in the international arena due to the high level of cultural and political ideology and diplomacy. The standpoint of the scientist is shared by Dorosh & Tablonska (2021), who have directed their own scientific developments in the same direction, however, they have come to the conclusion that China's implementation of the "soft power" policy has vulnerabilities and is denied by some countries due to the lack of formation of civil society in China and frequent violations of human rights by the authorities. At the same time, the political system is considered strong and stable, but not able to fully ensure free human development.…”