Michaels, 42, observed it longer. In 2003, when the "negative narrative" of the West prevailed, he first arrived in China and "worries disappeared just a few minutes after arriving." Since then, he has come to China almost every year and deeply felt the rapid development of "it feels like a decade after coming back every year." After entering Xiaohongshu this year, he said: "On live broadcast platforms and overseas social media, the real content shared by locals and foreigners finally let the world see the true appearance of Chinese life."

From "Seeing" to "Recognized": The Double Leap of Prosperity and Soft Power

The resonance of individual experience is echoing global cognitive trends. The "2025 Global Soft Power Index" released by the British "brand" in February this year shows that China's soft power ranking has jumped to second place in the world, up one place from last year.

Eriser, a 25-year-old research assistant at the University of Hong Kong, has a deep understanding of this. From the beginning of coming to Hong Kong, deciding to studying, and then setting foot in mainland China, the technological progress and planning of cities such as Beijing, Chongqing, and Hong Kong have completely reshaped his perception of China: "Anyone who is biased against China will change his view after seeing these."

China's convenient transportation and developed cities have attracted foreign tourists to check in. (Author: China Daily Luo Jie)

Plevnik, chairman of the Croatian Geoeconomic Forum, pointed out that China's attraction is rooted in real development achievements. “On overseas social media, thousands of videos show China’s subways, bridges, airports – in the eyes of foreigners, this is a prosperous and livable country with remarkable success.”

He believes that China's commitment to multilateralism and common development is a key factor. "China's foreign policy is both progressive and inclusive, and has always been committed to building a multilateral world. Its global initiatives have become an important fulcrum for global affairs because of its focus on common development and promoting peace."

Mahmoud Ur Hassan Khan, chairman of the Knowledge and Public Policy Center in Lahore, Pakistan, believes that through the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative, China has become a symbol of global common prosperity, community development and cross-regional connectivity. China's constructive neutral position in world conflicts, its commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue, and the proposal of the "three major global initiatives" have significantly improved its global role, status and contribution.