China has, for the first time, surpassed the United States in terms of popularity, according to analysis by Martin Gelin. This shift is attributed to a deliberate, long-term strategy employing soft power to improve the country’s image internationally. However, Gelin cautions that this improved image masks the continuing reality of a dictatorship within China. He also critiques Western voices who, he believes, naively embrace the notion of a benevolent major power. The author suggests that despite outward appearances, the fundamental nature of China’s governance remains unchanged. This raises concerns about the uncritical acceptance of China’s narrative on the global stage, despite its internal political system. Gelin’s assessment highlights a significant disconnect between China’s projected image and its actual political structures.