The term 实力 (shílì) by itself means “actual strength” or “capability,” often referring to a country's economic and military power. By adding 软 (ruǎn), the meaning is transformed. 软实力 (ruǎn shílì) is a literal translation of the English term “soft power,” creating a clear distinction from the coercive “hard power.”
The concept of 软实力 is incredibly important in modern China. It's not just an academic term; it's a core component of national strategy. As China's economic and military strength (“hard power”) has grown, its leaders have focused on developing its 软实力 to match, aiming to improve its international image and legitimize its role as a global leader. A key difference between the Chinese and Western understanding of soft power lies in the role of the state. In the West, soft power (e.g., Hollywood movies, pop music, fast food) is often seen as an organic product of civil society. In China, the development of 软实力 is a much more deliberate, state-led effort. Initiatives like the global network of 孔子学院 (Kǒngzǐ Xuéyuàn) - Confucius Institutes, the massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and state-funded media outlets like CGTN are all conscious efforts to project a positive image of China and increase its cultural and political influence abroad. This ties into the traditional Confucian idea of winning over others through virtue and culture rather than brute force. A virtuous ruler, according to classical thought, would naturally attract followers from far and wide without needing to conquer them. Modern China's 软实力 strategy can be seen as a contemporary application of this ancient philosophical principle on a global scale.
软实力 is a formal and somewhat academic term, but it's widely used in specific contexts:
The connotation is almost always neutral to positive. Possessing 软实力 is seen as a desirable and sophisticated goal for a nation on the rise.