Prof. Chengxin Pan of DGPA comments on China’s Diplomatic Soft Power in an interview with TDM

Associate Professor Chengxin Pan of the Department of Government and Public Administration (DGPA), Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS), University of Macau, shared his views on China’s diplomacy and soft power in a recent television interview by Teledifusão de Macau, S. A. (TDM / 澳廣視), as part of the special programme “Set Sail for the New Journey” (揚帆新征程), which celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. TDM released the episode with Prof. Pan’s comments on 09 September 2024.

Prof. Pan emphasized that soft power is one of the most essential elements in global power competition. According to Prof. Pan, exercising soft power entails that a country does not persuade other countries by using coercive military force or material inducements but by attracting others through persuasion and demonstrating leadership by leveraging its unique culture and values. China’s foreign policies, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have provided necessary platforms for international trade and cultural exchanges, which is helping other countries know a real, vibrant China, both modern and ancient. Moreover, these policies have concretely helped boost China’s global influence. Prof. Pan took China’s efforts to facilitate more international negotiations and cooperation as an example of the rise of China’s diplomatic soft power. He believes that China has demonstrated its leadership and soft-power appeal by mediating some of the world’s most sensitive issues, including by helping other countries with deep grievances return to the negotiating table and bury the hatchet. China’s success in offering Chinese solutions to the world shows that the future trend is still international peace and development.

As its circle of international friends widens, China is gradually exerting its influence on the global stage and promoting its national image as a responsible great power. In the foreseeable future, China will continue to contribute its wisdom and strength to create a fairer and more peaceful international environment.

The televised TDM interview and further details about the programme are available at this link: https://www.tdm.com.mo/zh-hant/video/program-playlist/492753?tabIndex=0