CULTURAL DIPLOMACY AND THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE: ANALYZING CHINA’S SOFT POWER STRATEGY

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has evolved into a significant global framework for economic cooperation, but its role as a tool of cultural diplomacy is equally pivotal in advancing China’s soft power. This study examines the strategic use of cultural diplomacy within the BRI, emphasizing how China leverages cultural exchange, education, media, and the arts to expand its global influence. The research focuses on the integration of cultural programs into the BRI’s infrastructure projects, where China promotes its language, traditions, and values while fostering bilateral relationships. By examining China’s efforts in establishing Confucius Institutes, offering scholarships, and supporting cultural events across BRI countries, this paper assesses how cultural diplomacy complements China’s geopolitical objectives. The study argues that soft power strategies, particularly those embedded within the BRI, play a crucial role in reshaping global perceptions of China. These cultural initiatives not only seek to improve China’s image but also serve as vehicles for building trust and mutual understanding with participating nations. This research also explores the responses of BRI countries to these cultural exchanges, considering the challenges and opportunities for both China and its partners. Through a comparative analysis of different regional case studies, the study reveals the diverse impacts of China’s cultural diplomacy, highlighting both successes and obstacles in promoting Chinese culture without imposing dominance.