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

Sun Shangwu

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