Face-Off: The U.S. vs China The Charm Offensive That Isn't
13 snips
Jan 13, 2026 
Da Wei, a Professor at Tsinghua University and a leading expert on Chinese foreign policy, shares insights on why China struggles with soft power despite U.S. setbacks. He argues that cultural differences hinder China's ability to attract global audiences. Rana Mitter, a historian specializing in U.S.-Asia relations, adds that China's tech innovations may represent a new form of influence. Together, they explore how cultural confidence and censorship limit China's appeal and discuss the implications of a tech-driven approach to global influence.
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Influencer Trip Goes Viral In China
- Darren Watkins Jr. (I Show Speed) live-streamed six hours across Beijing sites and won millions of Chinese followers.
- Chinese state media and the embassy amplified his visit as a soft-power moment while critics called it propaganda.
Soft Power Isn't Automatic To The Victor
- Da Wei argues a U.S. decline doesn't automatically translate into Chinese attraction.
- Soft power requires distinct attractiveness that China currently lacks compared with the West.
Open Access To Improve Image
- Da Wei recommends increasing internet freedom and easing access for foreign journalists and visas.
- He says doing so would let foreigners report on Chinese society and change negative images over time.
