by Khadiga Arafa
My most recent visit to China in July was not my first visit, which dates back to 2009, followed by many subsequent visits. Yet, every time I visit China, I feel that I still need more visits and deeper engagement to gain a better understanding of the country -- not only from an academic perspective, given my specialization in Chinese affairs, but also in terms of understanding the Chinese people, their way of life, culture, and traditions, and how these are linked to the country's public policies. I also seek to understand how these factors have served as a driving force for China's development and how they have contributed to improving perceptions of China.
Perceptions of China have undergone a dramatic transformation, resulting in a highly positive image after decades of stereotypes about the country. The country ranked second globally in the Global Soft Power Index 2026.
Part of this shift is the outcome of a comprehensive set of policies and efforts being witnessed at multiple levels, which provides an unforgettable experience for those who visit China.
This achievement has been made possible through China's successful use of its rich historical heritage and its scientific and technological accomplishments to build a global model that combines authenticity with modernization, while strengthening its international presence through cooperation, partnership, and shared development. Its position in the index reflects the strength of its international presence and the continuity of its civilizational and cultural influence.
In my view, these efforts can be divided into several levels. The first may be described as the general one, which includes initiatives undertaken both domestically and internationally. Abroad, Chinese cultural centers, Chinese language study centers, Confucius Institutes, joint cultural activities, and numerous international conferences have all helped offer a more comprehensive perception of China. This is particularly evident among young people studying the Chinese language, whose education extends beyond language learning to encompass Chinese culture, the Chinese way of life, the country's development model, and many other aspects.
A single visit to China is enough to create impressions and perceptions that are completely different from preconceived ideas, regardless of whether those ideas were formed through the media, social media, academic studies, or other sources. Visitors are impressed by the country's level of development, the remarkable transformation it has achieved, the contrast between its past and present, its technological advancement across all aspects of daily life, its planning at every level, and its strong sense of public order.
However, what impressed me the most and left an unforgettable impression was the Chinese people themselves. This was evident at many levels, particularly in their remarkable dedication to work, exceptional precision, strict discipline, and attention to every detail.
Here, the influence of Confucian values becomes clear. What we read in books about this value system and its principles -- particularly those related to organizing society through fundamental relationships based on mutual obligations, respect for elders, and other values -- can be observed in everyday interactions with the Chinese people.
Despite the modernization and changing lifestyles that have become increasingly evident, especially among China's younger generations, Confucian values continue to play an important role. These values are instilled through families and schools and are reflected in respect for elders, discipline, commitment, and many other aspects of daily life.
At another level, an important factor behind the positive perception of China is its foreign policy of peaceful development, which is based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
Overall, China's foreign policy, with an emphasis on peaceful development, good-neighborliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, respect for sovereignty, and regional cooperation, has contributed to strengthening perceptions of China as a responsible country within the international system.
China's initiatives have also had a significant impact on the strategic perception of the country, particularly those related to global governance, global financial governance, and the need to address the existing imbalance in the international order by emphasizing the principles of international law and the central role of the United Nations in the international system.
China consistently stresses the pivotal role of the United Nations as the core of the global order in maintaining peace in different regions of the world. Accordingly, it advocates reforming the United Nations so that it better reflects the voices and interests of developing countries, while ensuring a balanced approach to security, development and human rights. In addition, the South-South dialogue promoted by China has contributed to fostering greater understanding among countries of the Global South regarding their shared interests and the mechanisms for protecting them.
I remain convinced that there are still many aspects of China that require deeper study, greater understanding, and more direct engagement. Each visit provides new insights and further enhances my positive perceptions of China.
Editor's note: Khadiga Arafa is the head of central administration for community outreach at the Information and Decision Support Center of the Egyptian Cabinet.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.
