ISLAMABAD (Urdu Times) China’s soft power and its global influence

Written By Ms. Shama Arbab, a Participant of ICSF-SBBWU Fellowship Programme 2026-2027

ISLAMABAD (Urdu Times) The recent position of China is due to the proper utilization of soft power. Soft power does not involve any use of military or coercive measures but instead, it includes influence through culture, media, technology, development, innovation and much more.

China’s advancement in technology, science, artificial intelligence, poverty alleviation, public infrastructure, public diplomacy, cultural and educational exchanges are great examples through which its reputation is enhanced worldwide. China’s technology is constantly gaining importance in global economy. The development of quantum computing is another significant advancement that China has made in the past years. China has the most advance high speed train network, making it easy to connect with different countries and reduce the time travel. 5G technology and space exploration are another key achievements of China.

China is the world largest solar panel manufacturer, exporting it worldwide. China is quite dominant for manufacturing very well quality solar power systems, with advance AI monitoring, hybrid energy storage systems, inverters etc. It is an efficient product with a high demand around the globe. Some international importers include Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Netherlands. Some of the Chinese solar system manufacturer include Risen Energy, Sun grow power supply, Trina solar. Many Chinese companies are even making overseas factories to reduce taxes and tariffs.

China provides humanitarian aid and assistance to the world during crises such as floods, earthquakes, pandemics etc. china send doctors to different countries in order to help and enhance its influence. During Covid-19 China provided vaccines to many countries. Also Chinese herbal medicines are known throughout.

Many multinational companies are operating in China which boosts china’s economy and Chinese multinational enterprises are very active worldwide such as Huawei, Xiaomi, Alibaba, and many more. China is also part of organizations such as United Nation and Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Moreover, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) also known as “one belt one road”, is much more than just an economic project. It is a massive project which holds great significance, which aims to connect Asia, Africa and Europe through land and sea routes. It aims to invest in around 150 countries and international organizations. The Belt and Road Initiative play a crucial role in reducing economic barriers, building roads, attracting tourists, promoting investments. China and Pakistan also share very close ties regarding their ongoing project CPEC, known as China Pakistan Economic Corridor, launched in 2013, which provides road towards friendship and mutual prosperity.

In terms of education China has been taking very serious measures. China connect the youth globally through different exchange programs, provide hundreds and thousands of scholarships to international students. Many students go to china for study each year. Chinese language is also taught in international institutes making it easy for the students to become familiar with Chinese culture. Calligraphy and cooking is also taught in these institutes. Other countries see China as an opportunity for investment, trade and mutual development.

Chinese dramas are watched all over the world which further promotes its culture, news agencies such as Xinhua News Agency which is a state run news agency also CGTN is a Multilanguage news agency are very active, enhancing its visibility worldwide.

Festivals and cultural exchange programs are carried out in different parts of the world which present China as a positive country and peace loving country. China participates in world exhibitions, festival, art, films and sports. A festival known as spring festival is celebrated in China which is a time when there is a family get together, people from all over the country spend time with family. The Chinese cultural organizations are even trying to internationalize such events, showcase its culture and attract the people across the world.

Chinese events became very popular due to the cultural exchanges between China and the world. Spring festival is also celebrated now in some other regions of Asia. Additionally, Dragon Boat, Peking Opera and Chinese shadow puppetry are also some of the festivals celebrated in China. It makes the world curious to know more about China.

China became more crucial after people started forming their own opinions based on their own observations rather than only depending on some other source. People observe the way China cooperates with different regions regarding different projects which gives mutual benefits. Educational exchanges and growing travel contribute to positive image of china worldwide.

China has been influencing around the regions for a decade now, the fastest growing demand of Chinese products such as solar energy power systems, vaccines, electric vehicles, machinery, and many more. All of these factors contribute to the soft power of China, thus making the world dependent on China.