Beijing needs to get the balance right when spreading its message
- China has become more forceful in confronting foreign criticism, but this puts at risk its use of soft power to calm concerns about its growing economic and military strength
Negative views were especially strong in the United States, Canada and western Europe. Only in Greece did more than half have a positive outlook. Unfavourable opinions rose to historic highs of 60 per cent among Americans and 67 per cent of Canadians. But the outlook was positive in African, Middle Eastern, Latin American and eastern European countries, and especially Russia.
Tellingly, countries that have had diplomatic wrangles with China have particularly unfavourable views. Among them are the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Sweden. To counter pressure driven by the Trump administration on a wide range of issues from human rights to trade and technology, Chinese ambassadors have gone on the offensive, threatening to sever cooperation, end cultural exchanges and impose penalties like sanctions. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reportedly asked diplomatic staff to confront challenges with a stronger “fighting spirit”.
China has grown more confident about its international presence and is now willing to confront foreign criticism and media reporting perceived as biased or unfair. But that more forceful approach is putting at risk its considerable investment in improving its image through soft power promotion of language, culture and the arts and boosting exchanges of people. China is risking the trust it has gained by taking a leading role in fighting climate change and championing globalisation. There is a role in foreign policy for using carrots and sticks. For the sake of perception, Beijing needs to be more mindful of getting the right balance.