Think tanks can act to achieve more

Editor's note: Roundtable on Think Tank Construction and Public Opinion in the Digital Age, hosted by the National Academy of Development and Strategy, Renmin University of China, was held on Wednesday. Experts discussed enhancing Chinese think tanks' capabilities in global governance and public communication, as well as the roles and challenges of diverse think tanks in advancing Chinese modernization. Excerpts follow:

Think tanks can make China better understood

The Chinese leadership has underscored the importance of bolstering China's soft power and global influence through the active promotion of Chinese culture and the showcasing of the nation's image. Think tanks, as repositories of ideas, play a pivotal role in realizing these objectives. Over the past decade, Chinese think tanks have made significant strides and have the potential to further contribute to Chinese modernization.

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

Think tanks should cooperate more with media to make China better understood on the global stage. Think tanks provide intellectual frameworks, while media channels extend their reach. Collaborative initiatives — such as joint research, expert columns, and multimedia interviews — can effectively translate academic insights into multilingual content for global audiences. For instance, China Daily has used its platforms to promote expert commentaries, with notable success in showcasing China's narratives to international readers.

Think tanks must actively foster multilayered, interactive dialogue mechanisms. This involves participating in high-level international forums to present China's solutions and creating platforms for cross-cultural exchanges. Collaborative efforts, such as hosting global strategic dialogues and governance forums, have already demonstrated success in building bridges between Chinese and international experts. Going forward, expanding these efforts will further enhance China's influence and strengthen mutual understanding between civilizations.

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 journey.

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

Idols, insights, impacts

For think tanks to succeed in shaping narratives and influencing global discussions, three essential elements stand out: idols, insights, and impact.

The first is having an idol — a symbolic figure who embodies the think tank's authority and vision. Iconic personalities like Henry Kissinger have defined the influence of United States think tanks for decades. Similarly, Chinese think tanks must cultivate their own standout figures who are instantly recognizable and respected worldwide. These individuals become the face of the institution, enabling greater visibility and credibility on the global stage.

Second, think tanks must deliver insights with depth and originality. Endless reports, essays, and policy suggestions amount to little if they fail to produce ideas with real intellectual power. US think tanks excel at this, coining terms like "debt traps", "soft power", and "sharp power", which shape the international discourse and force others to respond. Their ability to dig deep and strike at the heart of issues often leaves others scrambling to fill the gaps. For Chinese think tanks, this highlights the need for rigorous research and sharp, focused messaging that sets the agenda rather than merely reacting to it. Strong foundations in theory and practical policy research are both crucial for enhancing intellectual influence.

Finally, the third and most critical factor is impact — which can be measured across four dimensions: decision-making influence, academic influence, social influence, and international influence. While Chinese think tanks have made strides domestically, their global impact remains limited. This is a gap that must be addressed. Expanding international engagement is essential for establishing a stronger presence. For instance, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has taken a bold step by establishing the Chinese School of Classical Studies in Greece. This initiative not only showcases China's rich civilization but also provides a platform for cultural exchanges and intellectual collaboration. It's an example for how think tanks can strengthen their global footprint.

To achieve these goals, Chinese think tanks must embrace openness and collaboration, building networks that bridge cultural and intellectual divides. By prioritizing iconic leadership, producing penetrating insights, and amplifying global impact, they can rise to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world and assert their place in shaping the global discourse.

Jing Linbo, head of the Evaluation Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Rising voice in a digital world

In the evolving landscape of global communication, China has made significant progress but faces new challenges. To further enhance its international outreach, three critical areas demand attention: digital intelligence, artificial intelligence, and a focus on the Global South.

First, the shift to digital and intelligent communication is key. With the rise of digital platforms, there is a growing need to innovate. This "digital intelligence wave" encompasses areas such as online literature, gaming, online miniseries, and e-commerce, all of which have amplified the spread of Chinese culture internationally. While State media remains the backbone of communication, these digital tools play a vital role in enhancing global goodwill and cultural resonance.

Second, the challenge of artificial intelligence can't be overlooked. Despite China's advancements, gaps remain in AI-driven global communication. For instance, Chinese content constitutes only a small fraction of datasets used in major AI models like ChatGPT, limiting its linguistic and cultural reach. Additionally, China's unique internet structure has constrained its ability to penetrate global digital ecosystems. Think tanks, with their flexibility and focus on content creation, are better positioned than traditional media to address this issue. By integrating into global AI platforms and advancing Chinese narratives, think tanks can significantly enhance China's voice in the digital age.

Finally, a shift toward the Global South offers new opportunities. This narrative, rooted in "The Rise of the Rest", resonates with developing nations and repositions China's rise as part of a broader global movement. For think tanks, fostering collaboration with Global South counterparts can create a unified communication strategy, amplifying shared goals and perspectives on the international stage.

In summary, digital intelligence, AI integration, and a focus on the Global South are essential to advance China's global communication in 2025 and beyond. These strategies will not only strengthen China's international presence but also promote a more inclusive and balanced global narrative.

Shi Anbin, a professor at the School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.