Power is traditionally discussed in terms of affecting outcomes within the international system through either threats or coercion. Equally important is how countries leverage their international image to persuade others to support their interests. International image is thus a critical source of state power, a conduit through which countries with high levels of prestige can convert resources into policy outcomes. Explore our featured content below to assess the sources of China’s international prestige and influence.
The global impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic have offered China an unprecedented opportunity to shore up its international image and influence by providing the world with global public health goods. This ChinaPower feature provides a comprehensive assessment of the scope and impact of China’s Covid-19 medical aid and vaccine diplomacy.
Overseas visits by top officials are a critical component of diplomacy and soft power. This ChinaPower feature analyzes the foreign diplomatic travels of top Chinese officials, revealing unique insights into China’s foreign policy priorities.
“Global cities” serve as critical nodes within the international economy. As China has rapidly developed in recent decades, historically prominent Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have grown in international influence, and new global cities like Shenzhen have emerged as key players in global commerce.
The challenges and opportunities presented by China’s rise are hotly contested. China Power will host its fifth annual conference as a series of five live debates, featuring leading experts from both China and the U.S. to debate core issues underpinning the development of Chinese power.
Successfully managing the threat of pandemics and epidemics requires advanced capabilities and robust resources. Decades of economic development have enhanced China’s ability to defend against infectious diseases, but the outbreak of COVID-19 laid bare critical health security weaknesses.
There are nearly as many currencies in use around the world as there are countries, but only a handful of currencies are widely used outside of their home economies. While China has found some initial success at internationalizing the renminbi, it faces an uphill battle in shaking up the global currency hierarchy.
The world economy is shaped not just by states, but also by an assortment of influential companies that act as critical elements of national economic power. In conjunction with China’s emergence as an economic superpower, Chinese companies have climbed the ranks to be among the largest in the world.
China’s accession to the World Trade Organization was heralded by the international community as a victory for free trade and economic liberalization. While China has been one of the organization’s most active members, Beijing has not instituted deep, systemic reforms and its compliance with WTO rulings has been mixed.
