The communication theory requires China to emphasize more common interests and weaken self-centered narratives. Personal stories of human interest and people to people exchanges, instead of the government-organized top-to-bottom approach, are more effective to improve China's image and cultural values in the world. The stereotyped impression of China will be difficult to change, since people are educated at an early age to believe certain ideas.

Zheng Lu, associate professor of Sociology at Tsinghua University and adjunct professor of Sociology at Texas A&M University