Soft Power is a concept in international relations coined by Joseph S. Nye, which refers to the ability of one state to influence the policies and behaviors of other states by means of persuasion rather than coercion. The power dynamics across the globe has shifted from traditional modes of power i.e. military and economic strength to soft power i.e. cultural, ideological, and institutional means to achieve strategic objectives. The traditional methods are still important for country’s self defence but aren’t favorable to retain power in today’s world as it costs too much and give rise to new challenges. Joseph Nye has coined five key trends for the diffusion of soft power which includes economic interdependence, transnational actors and spread of technology. These factors can be utilized to exercise power across the globe instead of using traditional ways.
China exercises soft power as a strategic approach to enhance its global influence and achieve its national interests. The strategic dimensions employed by China includes cultural diplomacy, strategic economic partnerships, political and diplomatic engagements, and technological advancements. The Chinese President Xi Jinping, in 2014, said: “We should increase China’s soft power, give a good Chinese narrative, and better communicate China’s message.”
To start with, China exercises cultural diplomacy as a soft power tool through Confucius Institutes and cultural events. Chinese government emphasized on the establishment of Confucius Institutes around the world in coalition with educational institutions. These institutions tend to promote the Chinese language and better understanding of Chinese culture, traditions and values globally. It aims to promote transnational cultural exchanges between China and other countries. Besides, China hosts and participates in cultural events such as art festivals, film festivals, sports, exhibitions and cultural exchange programs which play an important role in engaging other countries and exposing them to Chinese art, history and traditions. This helps to stimulate people-to-people connectivity and engage with foreign public to shape the perception about Chinese culture, which constructs its global image and influence through education.
In addition, China exercises strategic economic partnerships such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), economic loans and aid, and provides humanitarian assistance to enhance its influence on the global stage by promoting economic interdependence. BRI tends to provide connectivity via land routes from China to Europe and sea routes connecting Southeast Asia, South Asia, Asia, Africa and Europe. It aims to enhance economic development and diplomatic relations through infrastructure and trade between the participating countries. Likewise, China provides economic loans to support development projects in various countries which helps in building strong economic relations providing favorable conditions for Chinese businesses and investments in recipient countries. Additionally, China comes up with humanitarian assistance in natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, pandemics etc. addressing crisis and improving living conditions. These tools help to project positive relations and aims to build favorable image as a development partner.
Furthermore, China employs political and diplomatic strategies by active participation in multilateral cooperation and promoting its governance model. China’s engagement in international organization e.g. United Nations and regional organizations i.e. SCO, ASEAN and FOCAC etc. which aims to cooperate in economic, social and cultural exchanges, and advocates China’s multilateral approach regarding global concerns. Besides, China promotes its governance model, as an alternative to Western democracy, of state control dominated by Communist Party of China which emphasizes on strict governance policies resulting in economic growth, poverty alleviation and social stability.
Moreover, China’s technological advancements are the cornerstone of its soft power strategy. By leading technological sectors such as Hi-tech companies, 5G technology, AI research, cybersecurity and space exploration etc., China aims to position itself as a technological leader. These technological industries have offices in multiple countries, and have employees from all around the world, which plays an important role in shaping perceptions about country’s advancement in technological sector and becomes center of attraction for developing countries who rely on others to meet their technology needs.
Conclusively, China has been using soft power to gain its interests by influencing the countries through its advances in different sectors: by cooperating in economic, political, cultural and technological sectors. China has transformed its competitors into its allies. China’s soft power has a strong factor of economic interests. The strategies exercised by China in accomplishing its interests in the realm of soft power contribute to its economy and strength and builds relations based on inter-dependencies, China being a dominant in the bilateral exchanges co-operations (as it is a provider) can easily influence other countries to do want what it wants. This is the essence of exercising soft power.
