Hospital Ships As An Instrument Of Soft Power

Photo: China's Peace Ark hospital ship has been visiting countries throughout the Pacific. (Wikipedia: China Defence Blog)

Stephen Dziedzic, ABC News Online: How China, India and the US use healthcare aid to win influence in the Pacific

As a statement of soft power, a floating hospital packs a punch with a helping hand to poorer nations in need.

So much so that in the Pacific region major powers are increasingly flexing their humanitarian muscles by sending hospital ships and similar aid missions to the region.

China's 10,000-ton medical ship, the Peace Ark, has cut a broad arc through the Pacific, stopping off in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji and Tonga.

The raw numbers alone are impressive. According to Chinese state media, the ship has 300 beds, eight operating theatres, and can conduct 60 surgeries in a day.

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WNU Editor: The U.S. is also using this "soft power" off the coast of Venezuela .... US hospital ship to visit Colombia amid Venezuela crisis (AFP)

Report: France Is The New World Leader In "Soft Power"

CNN: France tops US in global 'soft power' rankings as Trump factor blamed

France has been declared the new world leader in "soft power" according to a new report published Tuesday.

According to The Soft Power 30, which is published by PR firm Portland Communications, France ranked top ahead of the United Kingdom and last year's leader, the United States.
Soft power, a term first used by the American political scientist Joseph Nye, combines the use of political values, culture, and foreign policy rather than coercion to influence the world stage.
The report says France's rise from fifth to first is explained by Macron's overwhelming election victory as well as the country's "unrivaled" vast diplomatic network, as well how the country is perceived abroad.

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WNU Editor: Soft Power 30's report is here.

More News On France Being Labelled As The New World Leader In "Soft Power"

America no longer first as Macron's France ranked world's top 'soft power' -- The Local France
Macron the charmer wields his soft power -- Politico
The Macron effect: France now world's top 'soft power' thanks to president, cuisine and culture -- DW
Macron's Election Helped France to Become World Leader in Soft Power - Survey -- Sputnik