Cultural Exchange and Diplomacy

Soft Power within Cultural Exchange and Diplomacy under the Belt and Road Initiative

Under the V-BRYGE 2024, we reflect on the intricacies of soft power within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a monumental global endeavor spearheaded by China. The BRI, driven by China's developmentalist aspirations, stands as a testament to bridging the past with the future, with investments exceeding a trillion dollars spread across over a hundred partner nations. Despite its grand ambitions, the deployment of soft power within BRI's cultural exchange and diplomacy presents challenges. Moreover, while economic prosperity is a driving force, it alone cannot foster soft power, and differences in values hinder reciprocal economic relations. To address these complexities, our research question calls for a comprehensive analysis of soft power dynamics within the BRI framework. It emphasizes the need to understand historical roots and geopolitical perceptions that inform BRI's soft power strategies. We propose that through arts and culture, education and health diplomacy, China aims to illuminate effective soft power promotion strategies. Ultimately, our research seeks to delineate cultural diplomatic challenges within the BRI and chart a course for its future development.