China's Soft Power Strategy: Balancing Behaviour on the Global Stage

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In this blog article, we'll dive into China's behaviour using the lens of soft power. China's unique approach to altering soft power variables underpins its effort to influence other states' behaviour, and this is primarily driven by its government. The evolution of China's political and economic system, guided by leaders like Deng Xiaoping, has transformed it from a pre-modern imperial state to an isolated communist regime. This hybrid state, merging elements of opposing ideologies, presents an interesting case study of the soft power concept. As Shaun Breslin notes, it has become part of China's official discourse and policy to actively promote positive images and ideas about the nation. China's future trajectory hinges on how effectively it wields this tool.

Throughout this blog article, we will explore several key questions. Can soft power effectively analyze China's historical behaviour? Will China's peaceful rise influence the behaviour of other states? How crucial is benevolent behaviour in China's ascent as a global power? What changes are occurring in these soft power variables, and what are their aims?

Analyzing Historical Cases 

China, like any other country, boasts a rich and colorful history characterized by tales of love, war, and peace. Cultural attraction and diplomacy were used to attract China's adversaries in various historical periods. Confucian pacifist culture, for instance, helped maintain the tributary system in East Asia. Instead of outright military conquest, expansion was achieved through cultural attraction and the voluntary submission of peripheral regions. Diplomatic maneuvers, cultural attraction, static defense, and other non-violent accommodation measures were employed before resorting to force when necessary. These historical instances demonstrate China's mastery of attraction as a form of power, influencing the behaviour of neighboring states.

David Kang's reference to dynastic China's relations with Southeast Asia highlights how China's economic power and cultural superiority drew countries into its orbit, becoming a magnet for cultivating relations. China's behavior during the imperial era reshaped the conduct of peripheral states through changes in soft power variables, as Joseph Nye pointed out.

Contemporary Behavioural Assumptions 

It's astonishing to think that a few decades ago, China was an impoverished and powerless nation. The Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, laid the foundations for China's transformation, paving the way for influential leaders like Deng Xiaoping to guide the nation towards becoming an economic powerhouse. Scholars and world leaders have described China's rise as one of the defining dramas of the twenty-first century. This view was evident when former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton emphasized the competition for influence between China and the U.S., underlining the significance of China's rise in global affairs.

Two contrasting behavioral assumptions exist regarding China's rise. Some view it as a threat to global peace and security, akin to a good person turning bad as they amass wealth. Others see China as a benevolent power that remains unaltered by its newfound riches. These assumptions largely align with the dominant theoretical frameworks of international relations, Realism and Liberalism.

Aggressive Behaviour 

Those who perceive China as a threat, as aligned with realist thinking, emphasize the role of power. Their argument is that as China's relative power grows, it gains the capability to employ both incentives (carrots) and coercive measures (sticks) to achieve its objectives. This approach is particularly worrisome because China does not align with the dominant ideology shared by most other states, making it challenging to gauge China's intentions, leading to suspicion and unease.

Public opinion surveys and geopolitical analyses reflect this perspective. For instance, surveys show that a significant portion of Americans considers China a threat, even though a substantial portion also desires a strong relationship with China. Similar negative sentiments are found in Western Europe, South Korea, Japan, and India. Scholars like John Mearsheimer predict intense security competition and potential war between the U.S. and China if China's impressive economic growth continues.

Benign Behaviour 

In contrast, a more positive view perceives China as a benign rising power. This perspective aligns with the democratic peace theory, asserting that democracies do not go to war with each other. Since China falls outside this democratic grouping, some argue it could potentially be a threat. However, China's recent political and economic evolution suggests a different path. It is gradually transitioning towards democracy, challenging the perception of China as a traditional communist state. Additionally, China's embrace of a "Socialist Market Economy with Chinese Characteristics" demonstrates its departure from traditional communist economic models.

China's foreign policy reflects a pragmatic approach that focuses on respecting sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. This stance stems from Confucian and Taoist values that emphasize non-interference and the golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated.

Changes in the Variables 

To establish itself as a benign global power, China has made strategic changes in various soft power variables:

Culture: China has established Confucius Institutes worldwide to promote its culture, aiming to mitigate potential cultural clashes. Investment in Chinese culture through language, cuisine, art, and other aspects helps dispel negative perceptions.

Values: China is evolving towards a democratic path, dispelling authoritarian stereotypes by aligning more closely with market economies. Its non-interference stance also distinguishes its values from the West's stance.

Foreign Policy: China's foreign policy emphasizes peace, development, and protection, and it respects sovereignty and non-interference. These principles reflect Confucian and Taoist values.

Investments: China's significant investments in other countries and foreign direct investment promote economic interdependence, making war a less desirable option.

Aid: China has become a major source of foreign aid in regions like Asia, Pacific, Latin America, and Africa, focusing on raw materials crucial for its growth. This aid fosters better relations with developing countries.

Diplomacy: China's win-win diplomacy fosters mutually beneficial relationships. Its active role in international organizations and public diplomacy efforts have improved its image and influenced the behaviour of other states.

Conclusion 

As an analytical tool, soft power helps us understand China's behavior and its impact on the international system. China's mastery of soft power variables underpins its efforts to shape the behaviour of other states. It's a delicate balancing act for China as it navigates its ascent to global prominence. By strategically managing these soft power variables, China aims to prove the world wrong and secure its place as a great and benevolent power. Further research into how these variables operate in practice can shed more light on China's evolving global role.

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