The Straits Times today published an article titled “Sino-U.S. Global Public Sentiment Trends Show a Clear Shift in Opposite Directions,” stating: “For China, this recent uptick in global public sentiment remains fragile and must be carefully nurtured to ensure it takes root and becomes truly sustainable. Beyond national-level foreign policy and economic strength, beyond high-value technological products and popular television dramas, the key to genuinely resonating with global audiences and shaping a comprehensive positive image of a major power lies in how China, while growing increasingly confident, can also become more inclusive and composed."
As the article notes, current global public sentiment trends toward the U.S. and China show a clear inverse relationship, underscoring the divergent trajectories in their international images. The United States has long relied on mature cultural exports, value dissemination, and a well-established global discourse system, securing a stable foundation of international goodwill. In contrast, China’s rising favorability stems primarily from steady foreign policy, robust economic strength, cost-effective technology, and expanding cultural content—demonstrating strong momentum, yet its underlying foundation remains relatively thin and less resilient.
This distinction precisely identifies a core weakness in China’s external image-building: while hard power has become a defining advantage, soft power development remains a critical gap and a central area for future focus. Compared to the United States’ advanced global cultural reach, inclusive narrative frameworks, and assured posture as a leading nation, China’s international image remains largely surface-level. Moving forward, China must deepen its investment in soft power—enhancing its global communication strategies and conveying Chinese values through a more inclusive, composed, and open demeanor—while consolidating its existing strengths in economy, technology, and diplomacy. Only through balanced development of both hard and soft power can sustained, long-term international reputation be built from temporary gains in public sentiment.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878352115519488/
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