[Source/Observer Network, Xiong Chaoyi] Recently, British government ministers have been criticized for being neglectful in competing for global soft power. Some of their advisors warned that a funding crisis is weakening key institutions that enhance Britain's influence.

According to The Guardian, members of the newly established UK Soft Power Committee, initiated by cabinet ministers this year, warned that the BBC World Service, the British Council, and numerous top universities—considered as front-line institutions of British soft power—are facing severe financial pressure.

There are concerns that despite calls to "strengthen soft power," these institutions may be further affected in next week's spending review. The report exaggeratedly claimed that while US President Trump is drastically cutting funding for soft power institutions supported by the US, China and Russia are investing billions of dollars to expand their international influence.

Vivienne Stern, CEO of Universities UK, a higher education advocacy group and a member of the UK Soft Power Committee, warned that compared with China's efforts to boost soft power through investments, scholarships, media, music, and cultural projects, people will feel that "we are asleep at the wheel."

"We inherited this (soft power) position, thinking it was our divine right, but that’s not the case," she said frankly. "You must work hard to maintain it. I benefited from the overseas support of the British Council during my time expanding global cooperation networks in higher education, but now we are cutting off our own veins; it’s time to wake up."

January this year, the UK government established the UK Soft Power Committee UK Government Website

Another member of the UK Soft Power Committee, Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, warned that the British Council, which promotes cultural and educational relations abroad, is facing a "survival crisis," exacerbated by a £200 million government loan.

"This weakens the UK's ability to promote soft power globally," he also exaggerated, stating that cutting the BBC World Service's budget is akin to "cutting off one's own arms" when so-called "adversary states" like China and Russia are increasing their intervention efforts and resource investments.

Nick Carter, former Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom, warned that under Trump's leadership, the US is "squandering its soft power," creating a strategic space for competitors to easily fill the gaps left by our previous influence. He added, "Those of us who still believe in this (soft power) should push forward even harder."

The Guardian reported that despite these concerns, there are fears that these soft power institutions may be further affected in next week's spending review. This review will outline public expenditures until the end of 2030. Neither the Foreign Office nor the Ministry of Culture is protected, meaning their budgets may be cut to save costs.

The report revealed that the Foreign Office has requested the BBC World Service to prepare plans for maintaining or reducing public funds. Sources claim that these requests will lead to "disastrous consequences" amid Trump's attempts to cut funding for institutions such as Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.

Scott McDonald, CEO of the British Council, warned that the institution faces the danger of disappearing within two years due to sharply reduced income and the need to repay government loans. Whitehall sources stated that these loans were issued on commercial terms, and ministers must recover them to fulfill their "responsibility to taxpayers."

In the meantime, ministers were warned that due to increased national insurance expenditures and significantly reduced tuition revenues, nearly three-quarters of UK universities are expected to face deficits by 2025-26.

UK universities were once considered the core of the nation's soft power. A recent study found that UK higher education institutions produce more leaders than any other country in the world. However, Stern and Peter Bazalgette, president of the University of West England and former chairman of ITV, warned that the government's immigration policies will limit the inflow of overseas students.

Peter Bazalgette, another member of the UK Soft Power Committee, claimed that the BBC World Service is an absolute priority option for maintaining soft power. He referred to it alongside the British Council and universities as the "crown jewels."

"I hope we do not further weaken the international departments; we need to find ways to further fund them," he said. "It makes no sense to pretend these (funding) tensions do not exist. All we can do is argue thoroughly to gain support."

A spokesperson for the UK government stated that the country's sports, arts, culture, and education sectors are "world-class," and the government is "fully committed to maximizing the influence of these sectors while promoting English abroad."

"Although we will not take action before the spending review, our past record is clear," the spokesperson said. "Despite a tough fiscal situation, we continue to support the British Council, providing over £160 million in 2025-26 alone and over £32 million to the BBC World Service, totaling £137 million in total funding."

"The Foreign Secretary established the UK Soft Power Committee with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, in January this year to further strengthen our support for UK soft power. Future expenditure decisions will be based on the outcomes of the review." the spokesperson stated.

Photo: BBC Company Social Media

Notably, on February 20th, the "2025 Global Soft Power Index" was released in London, UK. China's soft power ranking rose from third last year to second. The US remained in first place, with the UK, Japan, and Germany ranking third to fifth.

The report published by Brand Finance, a UK-based consultancy firm, showed significant growth for China in six out of eight soft power pillars and two-thirds of specific indicators since 2024. The growth is attributed to China's promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening sustainable development, and the continuous enhancement of domestic brand influence.

David Haig, president of Brand Finance, said, "China's investment in soft power is paying off. For the first time in 2025, China surpassed the UK in soft power rankings, reflecting achievements in enhancing economic attractiveness, showcasing cultural characteristics, and strengthening security and governance."

The Brand Finance survey evaluates the global image of all 193 UN member states through a poll of over 170,000 respondents worldwide, making it one of the most comprehensive surveys of national brand awareness.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7513492094896341504/

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