A concept gaining traction in Southeast Asia is the distinction between soft power, which persuades, and sharp power, which infiltrates. This phrase is particularly relevant when examining the activities of China's United Front Work Department (UFWD) in the Philippines, as highlighted in an opinion piece by BusinessWorld.
The UFWD has been operating quietly and methodically across the archipelago, leveraging various channels to exert influence. This approach differs from traditional soft power by penetrating domestic institutions and shaping narratives from within, often without overt coercion.
For the Philippines, understanding and countering such sharp power strategies is crucial. The piece underscores the need for vigilance and greater awareness among policymakers and the public to safeguard national sovereignty against opaque influence operations.