Think tanks can act to achieve more – opinion

Editor’s note: A roundtable on think tank construction and public opinion in the digital age hosted by the National Academy of Development and Strategy of Renmin University of China was held on Wednesday. Experts discussed improving Chinese think tanks’ capabilities in global governance and public communication, as well as the roles and challenges of various think tanks in advancing China’s modernization. The following are excerpts:

Think tanks can understand China better

Sun Shangwu

Chinese leaders have emphasized the importance of strengthening China’s soft power and global influence by actively promoting Chinese culture and showcasing the nation’s image. As repositories of ideas, think tanks play a crucial role in achieving these goals. Over the past decade, Chinese think tanks have made significant progress and have the potential to further contribute to China’s modernization.

In addition to conducting long-term research on Chinese modernization practices, Chinese think tanks should also address global concerns, engage with current issues, and enrich international dialogues with timely, informed commentary.

Think tanks should work more closely with the media to raise China’s profile on the global stage. Think tanks provide intellectual frameworks while media channels expand their reach. Collaborative initiatives – such as collaborative research, expert columns and multimedia interviews – can effectively translate academic findings into multilingual content for a global audience. For example, China Daily has used its platforms to promote expert commentary and has had notable success in introducing China’s narratives to international readers.

Think tanks must actively promote multi-layered, interactive dialogue mechanisms. This includes participating in high-level international forums to present China’s solutions and create platforms for intercultural exchange. Joint efforts, such as hosting global strategic dialogues and governance forums, have already shown success in bridging Chinese and international experts. Expanding these efforts will further strengthen China’s influence and enhance mutual understanding between civilizations in the future.

By integrating research, media and international engagement, think tanks can play an increasingly important role in promoting China’s soft power and supporting its modernization path.

Sun Shangwu, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily