Structural measurement and resilience of China’s copyright trade dependency network under international regulation: a directed weighted network analysis

In the context of globalization, copyright trade has become a pivotal arena for national cultural diplomacy and the competition of soft power. Although China has faced a persistent trade deficit over the past decade, there is an urgent need to investigate its deep-seated dependencies and risks from the perspective of network structures. This study constructs an ego-centric network model centered on China to analyze the intensity and distribution characteristics of its connections with various trade partners. The results indicate that network connections are highly concentrated among a few core hubs, exhibiting significant structural imbalance. China, within this network, finds itself in a predicament of extensive connections but insufficient control. The discussion suggests that it is imperative to optimize the network structure by implementing precise diversification strategies, building inter-community bridges, and shaping node advantages in specific subfields. These measures aim to enhance the overall resilience and structural power of China’s copyright trade system.