China's Failing Soft Power

 China's quest for global influence through soft power faces significant challenges. Without changing its attitude toward its citizens, neighboring countries, and the people of occupied regions, Beijing may continue to struggle with a soft power deficit. Joseph Nye, the pioneer of the "soft power" concept, explains in his book A Life in the American Century how China's attempts to increase its global appeal are limited by its domestic and foreign policies.

The Origins of China’s Soft Power Struggles

Long before Nye introduced the concept of soft power, China had already lost much of its global goodwill. After the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) took over, it embarked on a series of aggressive territorial expansions, including the occupation of East Turkestan, Tibet, and southern Mongolia. These invasions, coupled with its involvement in the Korean War and the 1962 Sino-Indian War, permanently damaged China's international image. Domestically, the CCP's Great Leap Forward led to famine, and the Cultural Revolution further alienated the Chinese people, deepening the soft power crisis.

Tibet: A Lingering Issue

For decades, the CCP believed that economic development in Tibet would win the hearts of the Tibetan people. However, the protests of 1987-89 and the 2008 uprising in Tibet shattered this illusion. In response, China began producing white papers to counter international criticism, but reports from organizations like Freedom House, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch (HRW) continue to highlight human rights violations in Tibet. Furthermore, the forced relocation of over 700,000 Tibetans and the colonial-style boarding schools for Tibetan children have drawn global attention, severely tarnishing China’s soft power aspirations.

Human Rights Abuses in East Turkestan

The situation in East Turkestan (Xinjiang) presents a similar challenge for China. The systematic detention of millions of Uyghur Muslims in internment camps has attracted widespread international condemnation. Reports, such as those from the Tibet Action Institute and HRW, highlight China's brutal policies toward ethnic minorities, further damaging its global reputation. These ongoing abuses undercut China's efforts to portray itself as a responsible global superpower.

Domestic Challenges to Soft Power: The Case of Tiananmen and COVID-19

Soft power not only depends on international relations but also on how a nation is perceived by its own people. The CCP faces a delicate balancing act in maintaining control while trying to charm both domestic and international audiences. The brutal suppression of the Tiananmen Square movement in 1989 earned China global condemnation, and economic repercussions followed. Similarly, China's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic has further alienated its citizens, as demonstrated by the viral reaction to Dr. Li Wenliang’s death on Chinese social media. Post-pandemic, a Pew Research Center poll revealed that negative views of China had increased by double digits in more than half of the surveyed countries.

Territorial Disputes: Strained Relations with Neighbors

China has one of the highest numbers of unresolved territorial disputes with its neighboring countries. Its ongoing border issues with India and aggressive maritime claims in the South China Sea have earned it a reputation as a regional bully. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey shows that a median of 71% of adults across 24 countries believe China does not contribute to global peace and stability, while 76% feel that China disregards the interests of other nations. As a result, China struggles to maintain positive relations with its neighbors, further weakening its soft power.

Global Comparisons: The U.S. vs. China

In contrast to China, the United States enjoys a significant soft power advantage. According to a 2023 Gallup survey, the U.S. leads in 81 countries, compared to China’s influence in 52. Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Nirupama Rao, notes that mistrust of China has only deepened under Xi Jinping’s leadership, as China’s foreign policy has become increasingly confrontational and aggressive.

Conclusion

Despite its massive investments in infrastructure and security, the CCP has been unable to win the hearts and minds of the Tibetan people. Its continued crackdown on Tibetan culture and religion only worsens the situation. Similarly, China's human rights abuses, territorial disputes, and internal repression further erode its global image. As David Shambaugh argues, soft power comes from society, not from government propaganda. Unless China changes its approach toward its own people and its neighbors, it will continue to suffer from a soft power deficit. In short, Beijing's efforts to build a lovable and respected image are likely to remain unfulfilled