China's rise as a global power is not only evident in its growing diplomatic presence and economic influence but also in its soft power capabilities. Soft power, defined as the power of attraction rather than coercion, plays a crucial role in China's foreign policy strategy. While China's soft power capacity is still weaker than that of the United States, it has been steadily increasing in Asia and the rest of the world [3bd04645].
Recent observations highlight a generational shift in cultural consumption, particularly among children in Singapore, who show a strong preference for American pop culture. Children are gravitating towards English-language content from Disney, Marvel, and Netflix, which poses a challenge for Chinese media to compete effectively [fd0e92ca]. This cultural inclination raises questions about the effectiveness of Chinese soft power against the entrenched US cultural-industrial complex, as children increasingly favor anglophone shows over traditional Chinese narratives [fd0e92ca].
In a significant move to enhance its cultural influence, Shandong Province, the birthplace of Confucius, has been given a key role in Beijing's soft power strategy. The province recorded 338,000 foreign visitor arrivals in the first eight months of 2024, marking a remarkable 178% increase year-on-year. Confucius, who was born in Qufu over 2,500 years ago, symbolizes Shandong's rich cultural heritage [cb094ad7].
Mount Tai, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, attracted 8.6 million tourists last year, further solidifying Shandong's position as a cultural hub. Additionally, Qingdao hosted over 160 deals worth US$53.3 billion at an annual summit, showcasing the province's economic potential alongside its cultural initiatives [cb094ad7].
China's soft power is rooted in its cultural history and its emphasis on using cultural and economic means to address political disputes. However, the authoritarian nature of China's growth model may not be attractive to democratic countries. Western nations, on the other hand, are losing their soft power in developing countries due to their neo-imperialistic policies. China's rise as a global power poses a challenge to US hegemony [3bd04645].
The future of China's soft power will depend on the ideas it can contribute to the world and its ability to navigate global rivalry. The United States, once a dominant soft power, has seen its soft power decline due to its association with corporate power, global inequality, and military interventions. In contrast, China's soft power is linked to its association with anti-colonialism and its portrayal as the representative of the global South [3bd04645].
Forced displacement is a global issue, with 82.4 million forcibly displaced people in the world as of 2020. The US and China, as the world's most powerful leaders, may either cooperate or compete in addressing displacement. Displacement is a potential source of soft power, and both countries have a vested interest in upholding international stability [4ad3190d].
While displacement is often overlooked as an area for cooperation, it is likely to be a policy space where the US and China strive to mitigate it. China has taken a more proactive role in international humanitarian crises, but its preference for sovereignty may limit its involvement in refugee resettlement. The US has historically been a leader in the international refugee regime, but domestic politics and ideological constraints have affected its leadership. Both countries have exhibited foreign policy decisions that signal a willingness to engage in cooperation or peaceful competition in addressing displacement [4ad3190d].
Shared hegemony in displacement may be possible, as cooperation is in the best interest of both countries and the international community [4ad3190d]. The ongoing cultural preferences of the younger generation could influence how both nations approach soft power and international cooperation in the future, especially in the context of addressing global challenges like displacement [fd0e92ca].