How China is 'eating our lunch' with soft power
China’s influence in the South China Sea is not being built solely by ships or trade deals, but through the steady use of soft power. In this article, our fellow explores how Beijing is shaping perceptions, expanding its presence, and quietly shifting the balance of influence in ways that often escape headlines. From cultural exchanges to strategic investments, the piece reveals how soft power has become a central pillar of China’s regional approach.
For those examining international relations, power competition, or the evolving role of diplomacy in Asia, this article offers a timely case study of influence in action. Read the full piece to discover how soft power is being wielded as a long-term strategy, the implications for U.S. engagement, and what this shift means for the future of the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
James Borton, Senior Fellow at FPI, wrote in Responsible Statecraft on July 10, 2025, examining how China leverages soft power to expand its influence in the South China Sea and beyond.