CKGSB Publication

Fuel the Soft Power: The Role of High-Tech Companies in the Soft Power Rivalry between China and the United States

This report delves into how China and the United States utilize soft power to enhance their global standing, with a specific emphasis on the growing importance of high-tech companies in the race for international influence.

Download the report

CKGSB in collaboration with IE China Center of IE University, presents “Fuel the Soft Power: The Role of High-Tech Companies in the Soft Power Rivalry between China and the United States.”

Defined as the capacity of a country to influence others through cultural, social, and political means, soft power holds immense importance in shaping the global economy and international dynamics, surpassing the limitations of hard power. In today’s interconnected world, the soft power landscape is being dramatically redefined by the burgeoning technology sector. Specifically, the race for global pre-eminence between the United States and China is deeply influenced by their respective tech giants. Breakthroughs in 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and e-commerce are not mere corporate achievements; they have become instruments for shaping international opinion and determining the geopolitical landscape.

Our in-depth report aggregates the expertise of renowned academics, industry thought leaders, and policy experts, exploring topics such as:

• The distinct strategies employed by China and the United States to amplify their soft power through technology.
• An evaluation of the efficacy of these strategies in establishing global influence.
• Future-forward perspectives on how the evolution of soft power could redefine the contours of international relations and the global economy. 

Table of Contents

1.  Beijing’s Unique Approach to Soft Power
José Félix Valdivieso, Chairman of IE China Center

2. Fuel the Soft Power: The Role of High-Tech Companies in the Soft Power Rivalry between China and the United States
Ma Bing, Academic Director, IE China Center; Assistant Professor of Leadership and Behavioral Science, IE Business School and IE University.

3. China’s Soft Power: Nurturing High-Tech Companies in a Competitive Landscape
Tao Zhigang, Professor of Strategy and Economics, Associate Dean for Global Programs, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.

4. The Potential of China’s Soft Power – Sustainable Value Creation Aimed at the World’s Elites
Weilei (Stone) Shi, Professor of Managerial Practice, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business; Tomas Casas Klett, Permenent Faculty, Director of the China Competence Center, University of St. Gallen.

5. Technology and Soft Power: China’s Rise as a Global Player
Ramón María Moreno, Secretary-General of the Spain-China Council Foundation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation.

6. Which is the World’s Largest Economy? It all Depends on How You Measure it
Gonzalo Garland, Professor of Economics, Executive Vice President, IE Foundation.

7. The Sixth World Center for Science and Technology
Margaret Chen, Founder, Optimus Horizon.

8. Technological Soft Power, the New Face of Diplomacy
Águerra Parra, Tech Founder & Editor in Chief, ChinaGeo.

9. China’s Dual-Circulation Economic Strategy
– Rafael Bueno, Director of Policy & Society & Educational Programs, Case Asia.

10. The Economic Consequences of a Math-Orientated Education
Pedro Gete, Professor and Chair, Department of Finance, IE Business School and IE University.

11. China’s Global Connectivity Beyond the Digital Silk Road
Estella Li, President, China Club Spain.

12. If You Want to Understand China’s Soft Power, Look to the Dragon
Lisa Wang, Founder of Link The World Advisors.

Enjoying what you’re reading?

Sign up to our monthly newsletter to get more China insights delivered to your inbox.

Continue reading

China and the Global AI Race

This white paper shows how organizations can thrive by leveraging China's deep integration of artificial intelligence with its advanced manufacturing and data ecosystems. Understand the profound shifts happening in open-source AI, robotics, and leadership, and see how they are creating new models for global growth and innovation.

From Startups to Unicorns:
Unlocking Growth Through Ecosystems

This white paper shows how organizations can thrive by leveraging ecosystems to scale up in today’s business landscape transformed by AI, digitalization, and geopolitical shifts.

CKGSB 2024 ESG and Social Innovation Report

The CKGSB 2024 ESG and Social Innovation Report showcases the school's innovative approaches and practices in promoting responsible management education through research and insights, comprehensive programs and courses, strategic partnerships and dialogues, and effective institutional practices.

China and the Global AI Race

This white paper shows how organizations can thrive by leveraging China's deep integration of artificial intelligence with its advanced manufacturing and data ecosystems. Understand the profound shifts happening in open-source AI, robotics, and leadership, and see how they are creating new models for global growth and innovation.

From Startups to Unicorns:
Unlocking Growth Through Ecosystems

This white paper shows how organizations can thrive by leveraging ecosystems to scale up in today’s business landscape transformed by AI, digitalization, and geopolitical shifts.

CKGSB 2024 ESG and Social Innovation Report

The CKGSB 2024 ESG and Social Innovation Report showcases the school's innovative approaches and practices in promoting responsible management education through research and insights, comprehensive programs and courses, strategic partnerships and dialogues, and effective institutional practices.

Our Programs

Global Unicorn Program: Scaling for Success in the Age of AI

In partnership with Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education

Global Unicorn Program Series

This CKGSB program equips entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and key stakeholders with the tools, insights, and skills necessary to lead a new generation of unicorn companies.

LocationStanford University Campus,
California, United States

Date29 Sep - 03 Oct, 2025

LanguageEnglish with Chinese Translation

Learn more

Emerging Tech Management Week: Silicon Valley

In partnership with UC Berkeley College of Engineering

Global Unicorn Program Series

This program equips participants with proven strategies, cutting-edge research, and the best-in-class advice to fuel innovation, seize emerging tech developments, and catalyse transformation within your organization.

LocationUC Berkeley

Date02 - 07 Nov, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Asia Start: AI + Digital China Expedition

Asia Start provides entrepreneurs and executives with unparalleled access to Asia’s dynamic digital economy and its business ecosystems, offering the latest trends and insights, strategies, and connections to overcome challenges and unlock future growth for your business in Asia and beyond.

LocationShanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen

Date17 - 21 Nov, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Smart Cities, Fintech, and Alternative Energy for the Global Future

In partnership with Columbia Engineering

Global Unicorn Program Series

This program is a transformative initiative designed to empower civil leaders and businesses in smart city development, fintech, alternative energy, and new energy sectors.

LocationDubai, UAE

Date15 - 19 Dec, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Opportunities in the Disruption of Traditional Industries

In partnership with The University of Sydney

Global Unicorn Program Series

The Global Unicorn Program in Disruption of Traditional Industries – presented jointly by CKGSB and University of Sydney – will emphasize Australia’s distinctive contributions.

LocationSydney, Australia

Date24 - 27 Feb, 2026

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program

In partnership with Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

Global Unicorn Program Series

The 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program stands at the forefront of addressing the critical need for innovative healthcare solutions powered by artificial intelligence.

LocationJohns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.

DateSummer 2026

Learn more