The first episode of a BBC documentary on soft power around the world focuses on China. Listen to it here:
In this series, Philip Dodd investigates how this cultural rivalry is being formed and what weapons of persuasion are being deployed, from global sporting fixtures to cultural events and educational projects.
In the first part, he takes a look at how China’s global charm offensive is taking shape – why they want to be loved and take the world’s attention.
He visits the World Expo in Shanghai and looks at the impact the Beijing Olympics had on China’s image.
He also pays a visit to Scotland, where the Chinese government is promoting its language and culture to ordinary people – who they are hoping – will develop a more positive attitude to the country.
