Some foreign journalists always see China through misty eyes; they only noticed the superficial phenomenon and failed to see the essence. But their imagination is admirable. For example, in previous years they could not make out the fact that while the whole world was haunted by sluggish economy, the Chinese economy outshined that of the other countries. They alleged assertively that it must be an "Oriental myth". Now, when they noticed that China's impact on the world not only didn't dwindle because of disasters such as SARS but was gaining strength instead, they jumped into another wrong conclusion by claiming that China has a kind of "soft strength". Though both fallacies of "Oriental myth" and "soft strength" sound a bit "misty", they are, however, very vivid and expressive.
The phrase of "soft strength" was coined in the later years of the cold war. It is used to depict how western films, celebrities, fashions and other popular culture influence the world. The first time when "soft strength" was used on China traced back to a report by a U.S journalist, meaning "a kind of respect or enchantments to the success China has won in recent years and the incremental growth of its influence." Then, what on earth is the strength of "soft strength"? Some deputies to the NPC and members of the national committee of the CPPCC made some analysis on it while deliberating and discussing the "Government Work Report".
"Soft strength" results from comprehensive national strength. In the 1980s, when China just opened its door, its world influence was not as strong as today. The last 20 years of steady and rapid development in China, especially the successful launch of the "Shenzhou" V manned spacecraft, which symbolizes that China enjoys a powerful comprehensive national strength now, amazed the world.
"Soft strength" reflects the development potential. Since reform and opening up, we have found a correct development road and formed an all-dimensional, multi-tiered and wide-ranging opening pattern and integrated into the world economic system very quickly. Then, the foreign opinion thinks that: "China has become a huge world workshop". In the following 20 years, we must grasp firmly the strategic opportunity of being capable of doing something. China's development can't be held back. It was exactly because of this kind of huge development potential that made China increasingly appealing to the world.
"Soft strength" reflects international influence. We have been sticking to the independent foreign policy of peace and positively participate in a series of multi-lateral diplomatic activities and strengthen bilateral diplomacy, big power diplomacy, surrounding countries diplomacy and developing countries diplomacy, which have gained new achievements and developed crucial constructive role in key international and regional affairs. China's international status and influence rise significantly. No one can neglect the existence of China, nor can they turn a blind eye to China's will and choice. This is one of the reasons why China is so appealing to the world. That said, a conclusion can be drawn that the kind of "soft strength" is not soft at all, it is the reflection of "hard strength". Without hard strength, there's no such thing like "soft strength" at all. On the contrary, the rise of "soft strength" will promote the development of "hard strength". In some sense, China's "soft strength" is the strength generated during the process of peaceful growing up. China doesn't resort to power politics but sticks to the road of peaceful growing up. This choice of road by China in her national rejuvenation will make the world structure even more balanced. China will make its unique contribution to world peace and stability.
By Chen Guangzhao
(March.9, PLA Daily)
