Is Influence a decisive instrument of power?

How does China employ soft power to pursue its national objectives — ex Diplomatic, legal, economic, political
How successful is China is applying soft power — does it have influence with other states and within the international community?
Is China capable of using hard power? If so, why does it prefer influence and soft power? Is hard power essential to achieving China's national objectives? How might other states challenge China's use of soft power?

Sample Solution