Public diplomacy based on cooperation and "win-win" strategies will help shape China's image as a peaceful, developing and responsible player in world affairs, experts attending a forum on Sino-US public diplomacy.

Civilian, rather than governmental, exchanges can better?explain peaceful development and counter the so-called "China threat" as perceived by some countries, Zhao Qizheng, president of the Institute for Public Diplomacy at Renmin University of China, told the forum in Beijing on Saturday.

Chen Yulu, president of Renmin University, said Chinese and US think tanks should play a key role in boosting exchanges between the countries.

At least 40 representatives from government agencies, universities and think tanks took part in the forum, sponsored by Renmin University's National Academy of Development and Strategy.