China's Soft Power Strategy Targets US Dysfunction While Building Appeal

China is running a sophisticated campaign to increase its global influence through what experts call a two-track approach. The strategy simultaneously attacks American credibility while promoting China as an alternative.

Shaoyu Yuan, a scholar who studies Chinese soft power, told NPR that one track "weakens American narrative authority by highlighting content that highlights U.S. dysfunction." The second track "makes China look more attractive" to international audiences.

Despite these efforts, China still faces major challenges in matching American influence. According to research, China lacks cultural powerhouses like Hollywood and its universities don't match top American schools. China's economic and military power also remain far below U.S. levels.

Soft power refers to a country's ability to influence others through culture, values, and appeal rather than military force or economic pressure. America has long dominated this space through movies, music, universities, and democratic ideals.