File Photo: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., United States
(VOA) - The Kennedy Center, a renowned performing arts venue in Washington, D.C., has recently become the focus of controversy as two U.S. lawmakers raised concerns over its invitation to the National Ballet of China to perform in Washington. Analysts suggest that while cultural exchanges may serve as a stabilizing factor in the turbulent U.S.-China relationship, Beijing is also seizing the opportunity to promote its narratives and propaganda.
On January 29, John Moolenaar, Chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and Republican Congressman Chris Smith sent a letter to the Kennedy Center expressing their concerns over the participation of the National Ballet of China.
The letter stated that the ballet troupe is part of the Chinese Communist Party's "political machinery," with some senior leaders connected to the CCP, and that the CCP uses "art as a political tool for propaganda overseas."
The performance, titled "The National Ballet of China: Chinese New Year," was held at the Kennedy Center from January 29 to February 2.
Lawmakers Demand Explanation from the Kennedy Center
In their letter, the two lawmakers pointed out that there is "no free artistic expression" in China, and that the National Ballet of China is "controlled" by the CCP. They argued that the CCP uses such performances to present a "friendly façade" to the American public while persecuting writers and artists who dissent from the Party line.
The lawmakers listed several Chinese artists targeted by Beijing for their political views, such as Liu Sifang and Xu Lin. The letter also demanded clarification from the Kennedy Center on whether the $44 million in congressional funding was used to support "CCP propaganda" and "implicitly endorse Xi Jinping’s repression of artists and intellectuals."
The Kennedy Center denied using federal funds to support the performance and defended its decision to host the National Ballet of China, calling it part of their "cultural diplomacy" efforts.
"The Kennedy Center’s founding statute prohibits the use of appropriated funds for any performances. Therefore, no appropriated funds supported the National Ballet of China’s performance or any other performances on our stages," the center stated in an email response to VOA.
What Is the Background of the National Ballet of China?
Founded in 1959, the National Ballet of China is considered the country’s leading ballet company.
In their letter, Representatives Moolenaar and Smith highlighted that the troupe’s director, Feng Ying, has held positions in both the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Her biography on the troupe's website describes her as a "renowned ballet artist" who served as a member of the 9th, 10th, and 11th CPPCC and as a delegate to the 12th NPC.
The letter also pointed out that the ballet troupe has a Party Committee Office, further proving it is part of the CCP's "political machinery."
Nathan Picarsic, a senior fellow specializing in China at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), stated that the letter "hits the nail on the head" by drawing attention to the potential influence and its ties to the CCP.
"American social and cultural institutions need to be aware of these risks. It’s clear they are part of the CCP’s strategy to gain favor through global institutions like the Kennedy Center, showcasing a CCP-approved image," Picarsic said.
Picarsic added, "The shift here is that it creates space to recognize these risks and respond accordingly. At the same time, the CCP is attempting to asymmetrically leverage and manipulate opportunities for cultural exchange and engagement to support its narratives and favorable coverage."
According to the troupe's official website, after their performances at the Kennedy Center, their next show will be in Beijing in March, featuring "The Red Detachment of Women," a well-known revolutionary ballet.
China’s Soft Power Push in the U.S.
Culture plays a significant role in China's soft power diplomacy. In the 1970s, ping-pong diplomacy helped lay the foundation for U.S.-China relations. However, in recent years, with escalating geopolitical competition with the U.S. and the reputational damage from the COVID-19 pandemic, American sentiment towards China has sharply declined. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey, over 80% of American adults hold negative views of China.
Picarsic from FDD places the blame on China, emphasizing Beijing’s lack of reciprocity in allowing "American cultural and social influence to enter China."
"I don’t think the U.S. and its social and cultural institutions should unilaterally accept China’s practices," he said.
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