Core Insights - The 12th Xinhua Net Sike Annual Conference was held in Linfen, Shanxi Province, focusing on the theme "The Next Journey of China's Economy: Confidence, Resilience, and Vitality" [1] - The conference gathered hundreds of guests from various sectors to discuss the "14th Five-Year Plan" and explore future development opportunities and challenges [1] Group 1: Soft Power and Economic Development - Zhou Shuchun, Executive Vice Chairman of the China Human Rights Development Foundation, emphasized the importance of soft power in the context of global competition, stating that 2025 is a critical year for China's soft power emergence [3] - He noted that the expansion of Chinese brands into global markets is not only a significant economic achievement but also a vital means of building national image and cultural dissemination [3] - Zhou highlighted that technological advancements are integral to national image and soft power, influencing perceptions of China's political, economic, and cultural landscape [5] Group 2: Integration of Culture and Technology - The integration of cultural and digital technologies is reshaping the global dissemination of Chinese culture, creating a powerful cultural wave [5] - The deep fusion of culture and digitalization is enhancing the development of new cultural productivity, providing strong momentum for cultural outreach [5] - Zhou asserted that both hard and soft power are interconnected, with development being the core principle driving this relationship [7] Group 3: Future Development Phases - The transition from the "14th Five-Year Plan" to the "15th Five-Year Plan" marks a new historical phase for China's development, characterized by the mutual reinforcement of hard and soft power [7] - The upcoming "15th Five-Year Plan" is expected to be a stage where hard and soft power work in synergy, driving collaborative growth [7] - The Xinhua Net Sike Think Tank has been a key platform for high-level dialogue since 2014, focusing on contemporary issues and gathering expert opinions on China's economic future [7]

Core Perspective - The article discusses how Chinese-style modernization breaks the myth that modernization equates to Westernization, highlighting China's unique path to modernization through its soft power, institutional advantages, and cultural roots [3][10]. Group 1: Soft Power as the Core - Chinese-style modernization is rooted in a deep cultural soft power that redefines the value basis of modernization, contrasting with the Western focus on capital expansion and entertainment [3][4]. - Elements such as traditional virtues, the Silk Road's peace-oriented exchanges, and the pursuit of common prosperity during poverty alleviation form the spiritual core of Chinese soft power [4]. - China's soft power is integrated with social governance and livelihood practices, demonstrating that modernization can coexist with local culture rather than necessitating its abandonment [4][6]. Group 2: Institutional and Technological Synergy - The synergy between institutional advantages and technological innovation serves as a practical engine for Chinese-style modernization, characterized by three core elements: unique characteristics (including soft power), socialist institutional advantages, and technological innovation capabilities [6][7]. - Unlike Western modernization, which often leads to social division, China's socialist system allows for coordinated development, exemplified by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that addresses both economic and social needs [6][7]. - China's approach to technological innovation emphasizes "independent innovation and open cooperation," aligning technological development with public welfare and national strategy, contrasting with Western practices that may prioritize competitive dominance [7][9]. Group 3: A New Reference for Developing Countries - The significance of breaking the "Westernization" myth lies in providing a reference for other developing countries, particularly those with rich cultural heritages like Pakistan, to see the possibility of maintaining cultural identity while modernizing [9][10]. - Cultural commonalities between China and Pakistan, such as shared values of family and hard work, enhance the understanding of Chinese-style modernization in the context of local cultural identity [9][10]. - The article emphasizes that modernization is not a one-size-fits-all process; each country can explore its own development path based on its historical and cultural context, as demonstrated by China's experience [10].

Group 1: CPOP and Cultural Export - The rise of CPOP represents a shift from "product export" to "brand export," encompassing various fields of Chinese pop culture, including technology, toys, games, film, and literature [1] - The "Chinese style" is gaining global traction, showcasing cultural depth and trendiness [1] Group 2: Success of "Labubu" Toy - The "Labubu" toy has become a global sensation, with significant sales spikes in various regions: Asia-Pacific revenue reached 2.85 billion yuan, up 257.8%; Americas revenue was 2.26 billion yuan, up 1142.3%; and Europe and other regions saw 480 million yuan, up 729.2% [2] - The brand has opened physical stores in over 20 countries and regions, including notable locations like the Louvre in France and Oxford Street in the UK [2] Group 3: Cultural Fusion Strategy - Unlike many Chinese brands focusing solely on cultural output, the company employs a "cultural fusion" strategy by collaborating with over 200 artists worldwide to bridge cultural gaps [3] - The popularity of "Labubu" reflects the rise of the "emotional economy," where its unique image serves as an outlet for young people to relieve stress and engage in creative expression [3] Group 4: "Black Myth: Wukong" Game Launch - The game "Black Myth: Wukong," based on "Journey to the West," generated significant global interest upon its release on August 20, 2024, selling over 10 million copies within three days [4][5] - The game has sparked foreign players' curiosity to explore Chinese culture, leading to increased interest in various adaptations of "Journey to the West" [5] Group 5: Recognition and Awards - "Black Myth: Wukong" received multiple nominations at the 2024 Game Awards, winning "Best Action Game" and "Player's Voice," highlighting its impact on the gaming industry [6] - The success of both "Labubu" and "Black Myth: Wukong" is seen as a testament to China's growing soft power, with the country rising to second place in the global soft power index [6] Group 6: Technological Advancements - Chinese brands are transitioning from "technology followers" to "innovation leaders," exemplified by the strong market performance of the Insta360 X5 camera, which topped sales charts in multiple countries [7] - In 2024, China exported 5.859 million vehicles, maintaining the top position globally, with electric vehicle exports, particularly by BYD, showing remarkable growth [7][8] Group 7: Global Recognition of Chinese Brands - The performance of brands like "Labubu," "Black Myth: Wukong," Insta360, and BYD illustrates the emergence of a new "Chinese style" that is gaining global recognition [9]

Group 1 - Chinese video games are rising in the Western market, with titles like "Black Myth: Wukong," "Wuchang: Fallen Feathers," and "Wuthering Waves" leading the charge [1] - The pricing strategy of "Wuchang: Fallen Feathers" at 50 euros contrasts sharply with the nearly 90 euros for new games on the Nintendo Switch 2, indicating Chinese game developers' ability to deliver high quality at lower costs [1] Group 2 - The shift towards national consumerism in China is evident, as Western films are struggling at the box office while local productions thrive, exemplified by the success of "Ne Zha," which became one of the highest-grossing animated films [2] - Chinese animation is gradually gaining market share, with works like "Tuxian Yingxiong X" showcasing the growing influence of Chinese culture in the animation sector, despite still lagging behind Japanese anime [2] - There is a need to focus more on China's soft power, particularly in cultural aspects, as the emphasis has traditionally been on its strengths in technology, military, and economy [2]

Core Insights - China's soft power ranking has risen from third to second globally in 2025, with significant growth in six out of eight pillars and two-thirds of specific indicators [1] - The report highlights the increasing global influence of Chinese culture and innovation, driven by initiatives to promote traditional culture and the development of cultural parks [2][3] Group 1: Cultural Influence - The appeal of Chinese culture and innovation has led to a surge in cultural exports, with approximately 6,000 translated Chinese web novels available internationally and nearly 300 micro-dramas downloaded over 470 million times globally [2] - The gaming industry has seen remarkable success, with sales revenue from domestically developed games reaching $18.557 billion in overseas markets, particularly through titles like "Genshin Impact" and "Black Myth: Wukong" [2] Group 2: Economic and Social Development - China's development model, characterized by rapid economic growth and social stability, has garnered international interest, with many developing countries looking to China for guidance on overcoming similar challenges [4][5] - The transition from poverty alleviation to rural revitalization has resulted in a 24.7% increase in per capita disposable income for rural residents in poverty-stricken counties since 2021 [4] Group 3: Global Initiatives - The concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind has gained traction, with over 100 countries and regions responding positively to China's global initiatives [6][7] - The Belt and Road Initiative serves as a practical platform for international cooperation, promoting peace, openness, and mutual benefit, thereby enhancing China's global standing [7]

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant growth of Chinese supermarket and restaurant brands in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam [1][2] - Chinese chain brand Mixue has rapidly expanded in Southeast Asia, surpassing global giants like Starbucks and McDonald's in the number of stores opened [1] - As of last year, around 60 Chinese restaurant brands have established over 6,100 outlets in Southeast Asia, with 54 of the top 100 global restaurant brands being Chinese [1] Industry Trends - The role of food and dining as a cultural transmission medium has been underestimated, with Chinese snacks and food becoming popular among Southeast Asian youth, reshaping their cultural paradigms [1] - The trend indicates a deepening of food trade between China and ASEAN as economic integration progresses, with more Southeast Asian youth engaging with Chinese culture through social media, music, and gaming [2] - The increasing presence of Chinese flavor foods enhances the familiarity and affinity of Southeast Asian youth towards China, suggesting a growing influence of Chinese brands in the region [2]

Core Viewpoint - China has significantly improved its international discourse power and influence through innovative international communication strategies, as highlighted by its rise in the global soft power index [12][13]. Group 1: Soft Power and International Communication - According to the Brand Finance 2025 Global Soft Power Index, China ranks second globally, having improved its position by three places over the past year [12][13]. - China has achieved growth in six out of eight soft power pillars and two-thirds of specific indicators, indicating positive outcomes in international communication [13]. - Despite these achievements, there remains a need for improvement in global perceptions of China's lifestyle and tourism appeal [13]. Group 2: Diverse Participation in International Communication - The current international communication system in China does not match its comprehensive national strength and international status, necessitating a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, including government, media, and individuals [14]. - The role of overseas Chinese as cultural ambassadors is crucial in enhancing international communication and showcasing a credible and appealing image of China [15]. Group 3: Content and Channel Diversification - The high score in the "Business and Trade" indicator suggests that as international recognition of China grows, there is an increasing demand for understanding the underlying values and culture of Chinese enterprises [14]. - There is a call for a richer narrative in international communication, focusing on economic, technological, and cultural stories to enhance the effectiveness and impact of China's international messaging [14]. Group 4: Cross-Cultural Narratives - Cross-cultural narratives play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and trust among nations, with an emphasis on China's unique cultural values and practices [17][18]. - China's narrative should include its achievements in poverty alleviation and technological advancements, showcasing its global responsibilities and contributions [18]. Group 5: Enhancing Persuasiveness of Chinese Discourse - Different types of discourse, including civilizational, national, governance, and innovative narratives, are essential for effectively communicating China's policies and values to the world [19][20]. - The connection between policy and storytelling is crucial for enhancing the empathy and resonance of China's narrative [20]. Group 6: Embracing Technological Change - The international communication landscape is undergoing significant changes due to technological advancements, necessitating a strategic approach to leverage new tools and platforms for effective storytelling [21][22]. - Examples of successful initiatives include collaborations between media and cultural institutions to enhance the global reach of Chinese narratives [23]. Group 7: Corporate Responsibility and Global Engagement - Chinese enterprises are increasingly "going global," and they should actively integrate into local economies while promoting China's image and stories [24][25]. - Companies are encouraged to innovate in international communication by addressing themes such as green development and cultural exchange, thereby fostering connections with global audiences [25].