Abstract
China has been increasingly adept at using public diplomacy to influence its image and relationships abroad. This chapter will examine China's use of public diplomacy to further its national objectives and cement its position as a leading global force. China's changing status on the international stage is reflected in its emphasis on moving from a reactive to a proactive approach. Cultural diplomacy, international interactions, and the strategic use of international media and social media platforms are all accounted for in the analysis of public diplomacy. China's distinctive “Great Power” public diplomacy strategy is also under the microscope in this chapter. The chapter also looks at the Confucius Institutes, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Chinese Dream to show how China is working to improve its international reputation, promote international understanding, and strengthen ties with a wide range of interested parties.
Top1. Introduction
China's climb to worldwide prominence in the 21st century has been remarkable (Brooks & Wohlforth, 2015). It went from being a poor, isolated country in the middle of the 20th century to having the world's second largest economy and being a major role in international affairs today (Zreik, 2023). Strategic political maneuvering, exceptional economic growth, and a persistent commitment to improving science and technology have all contributed to this rise.
China's rise to economic superpower status began in earnest in the late 1970s, when Deng Xiaoping enacted his strategy of “Reform and Opening Up” (Paulson, 2015). This signified a major change away from a command-and-control economic model and toward freer market principles. China's economy exploded in the following decades, allowing the country to pull hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and establish itself as a world powerhouse in manufacturing and exports (Fishman, 2005).
China's political influence has grown in recent years. It has a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and is an integral part of other international organizations like the WTO, the AIIB, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (Lanteigne, 2019). The rise of China's economic might has coincided with the rise of China's influence in these institutions, making China a crucial player in finding solutions to global problems.
In addition, China's rise has been greatly aided by the country's funding of scientific study and technological development. Artificial intelligence, communications, biotechnology, and space travel are just few of the areas where it has made considerable progress. Businesses in China, such as Huawei, Alibaba, and Tencent, have risen to the top of their fields and become worldwide leaders (Lundvall & Rikap, 2022).
At the same time, China has been one of the largest defense spending countries in the world due to its heavy investments in its military (Fiott, 2022). Its military modernization efforts and rising economic and political power show that it wants to influence international norms in ways that benefit its own country.
China's rise to global prominence is in large part attributable to public diplomacy. Public diplomacy has been utilized by China to improve its worldwide reputation, foster cooperative relationships with other countries, and further its national goals (Ang, Isar, & Mar, 2015). In addition to flexing its economic and political muscles, the country has worked hard to present itself as a peaceful and cooperative global actor.
Simply put, public diplomacy is a country's efforts to inform and persuade the citizens of other countries through official channels of communication. It's a potent method of promoting a country abroad and fostering friendship and cooperation among nations (Wang, 2006). China has been able to overcome unfavorable impressions, construct a narrative of peaceful development, and assert its leadership in the global debate thanks to its successful public diplomacy campaign (Hartig, 2015).
The public diplomacy of China has revolved around its economic revolution. China has made an effort to provide a compelling development model for other developing countries by highlighting its impressive economic growth and poverty reduction efforts. The implication has been that working with a growing, responsible power will be mutually useful and fruitful.
Additionally, China is now using its cultural wealth as a strategic asset to advance its interests and objectives. It has disseminated Chinese language and culture over the world through programs like the Confucius Institutes, increasing international communication and cooperation. China's ability to influence others' opinions and behavior through attractiveness and appeal rather than coercion has been greatly bolstered by its cultural diplomacy activities (Zreik, 2021).
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is China's grand diplomatic project. China has worked to increase its worldwide influence and protect its strategic interests by portraying the BRI as a global public benefit, promising infrastructural development, economic collaboration, and people-to-people relationships (Clarke, 2017).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Soft Power Approach: The use of cultural influence, diplomacy, and other non-coercive means to shape other countries' preferences and behavior, as opposed to hard power such as military or economic coercion.
Great Power Strategy: In this context, refers to the distinct approach a 'great power' or 'superpower' nation (like China) takes to advance its national interests and solidify its standing in the global order.
Public Diplomacy: The process of influencing a foreign public's perceptions to create an environment conducive to advancing a country's national interests, policies, and objectives. It can be pursued through cultural exchanges, international broadcasting, social media platforms, etc.
China's Ascent: The rapid economic, political, and military rise of China on the global stage, especially since the turn of the 21st century.
Media Strategy: The strategic use of various media forms (traditional and social media) to influence public opinion, shape perceptions, and control the narrative in both domestic and international contexts.
Prospects and Obstacles: Future possibilities and potential challenges that may influence the trajectory of China's public diplomacy initiatives.
Confucius Institutes: Public educational partnerships between China and foreign countries, designed to promote Chinese language and culture. They are also a component of China's soft power strategy.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): A global development strategy by the Chinese government, aiming to build infrastructure and trade networks that connect Asia with Africa, Europe, and beyond. It's an essential part of China's global influence strategy.
Criticism and Scrutiny: Refers to the analysis, evaluation, and questioning of China's initiatives and actions by other nations, international institutions, or the global public.
Global Power: Refers to a country's ability to influence other countries or international events significantly. This can be due to its economic strength, military might, cultural influence, political prowess, etc.
Proactive Approach: In contrast to a reactive stance, a proactive approach involves taking deliberate actions or steps to shape and influence events, perceptions, or policies instead of merely responding to them.
Cultural Diplomacy: The use of a country's cultural assets (like art, music, literature, sports, etc.) to foster mutual understanding, build relationships, and influence foreign publics and governments.
Chinese Dream: A term coined by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which represents the aspiration for national rejuvenation, modernization, and the improvement of people's livelihoods. It's a vital narrative in China's domestic and international communication.
Charm Offensive: A campaign of flattery, friendliness, and cajolery used to achieve a specific short-term aim. In the context of China, it represents a strategy used in the early 2000s to improve its global image and relationships.