An important area for in-depth consideration and research is how to effectively enhance the international communication capacity and influence of Chinese civilization within the current internet media environment.

Preliminary considerations

Enhancing the communication capacity and influence of Chinese civilization is a vital component of China’s modernization efforts.

First, it is suggested to deeply comprehend the relevant key discussions in the Report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. From the perspective of journalism and communication theory, these discussions primarily consist of three components: communication content, communication media and capability, and communication goals and impacts.

Second, it is suggested to comprehensively understand the inherent biases of internet communication and clarify the external, objective impact it has on strengthening the communication and influence of Chinese civilization.

General outline

To enhance the communication and influence of Chinese civilization effectively, we must integrate the concept of a human community with a shared future and address the inherent biases of internet media in our systematic planning of relevant practices.

First, at the level of macro-historical positioning and understanding of the laws governing the enhancement of Chinese civilization’s communication and influence, we must recognize that under the objective impact of internet media biases, the process of strengthening this influence, deepening inter-civilizational exchanges, and promoting Chinese culture globally will be a long and arduous journey, but one with a promising future.

Second, regarding the inherent value and stance of the principles guiding the enhancement of this communication and influence, it is important to recognize the pivotal role of a human community with a shared future. This concept provides essential value guidance for advancing a “multipolar” international communication system based on peaceful dialogue, forming a new global information order, and establishing an equitable and diverse international discourse system.

Third, in planning the overall direction and scope of practices for enhancing Chinese civilization’s communication and influence, we must clarify the intrinsic interactions between these practices and internet media.

Practical pathways

To strengthen the communication and influence of Chinese civilization within the internet media environment, we need to establish a practical framework based on preliminary considerations and an overall strategy, focusing on the following four dimensions:

First, in the dimension of political thought and theory guidance, it is advised that we should, under the guidance of a human community with a shared future, align with the trends in international relations, the objective laws of internet development, and media biases. Adopting a “government-industry-academia-research-application” collaborative model, we must continuously deepen relevant political thought, theoretical research, and innovation in the international communication discourse system, while providing strategic scientific guidance and policy support.

Second, in the dimension of cultural production and dissemination practice, it is suggested to ground ourselves in socialist culture with Chinese characteristics and fine traditional Chinese culture while adhering to the principles governing internet technology development. At the same time, we should steadily advance the deep integration of mainstream media at all levels, effectively guiding and regulating the dissemination practices of various independent media entities.

Third, in the dimension of cultural industry development, it is advised to clarify and deepen our understanding of the cultural industry’s role in promoting China’s cultural development. This requires recognizing the fundamental patterns and impacts of cultural industries on the nation’s cultural construction.

Fourth, in the dimension of technological innovation, research and development, and application, it is suggested to fully leverage digital technologies centered around the internet to advance the development of a comprehensive international communication system and enhance our global communication capacity.

Meng Linshan is an associate professor from the School of Communication at Fujian Normal University.