In setting of today’s international system, the Chinese foreign policy in South Asia is increasingly influenced due to the determinants of geopolitical and political economy outlooks. This paper attempts to explore Chinese agenda setting in South Asia in terms of soft and hard power policies. China has been expanded its geopolitical and economic interest in South Asia by means of investment, aid, military assistance, economic cooperation and trade ties. By using as an instrument of “smart power” (adroit behavior of using soft and hard power collectively) has become a vehicle to promote the Chinese national interests in South Asia. Based on the analysis of various determinants concerning soft and hard power, this paper contextualized that China is competently functioning its skills of smart power in realm of South Asia.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Review of Literature
3. Methodology
4. Conceptual Clarification
5. Beginning China Soft Power in South Asia
6. South Asia in Chinese Foreign Policy
7. Geopolitical Perspectives
8. Political Economy Perspectives
9. Belt and Road Initiatives
10. Development Assistance and Aid
11. Public Diplomacy
12. Exchange Programs
13. Trade Structure of China in South Asia
14. China Military Assistance in South Asia
15. The Ultimate Chinese Goal in South Asia
16. Conclusion
Objectives & Research Themes
This paper examines how China leverages the concept of "smart power"—a strategic combination of soft and hard power instruments—to advance its national interests and agenda setting within the South Asian region. It explores the geopolitical and economic motivations behind China’s regional engagement and the effectiveness of these strategies.
- The strategic application of "smart power" in Chinese foreign policy.
- The impact of infrastructure projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on South Asian geopolitics.
- The role of public diplomacy, cultural exchanges, and Confucius Institutes in shaping China's regional image.
- The influence of military assistance and economic aid as instruments of statecraft.
- The overarching goal of balancing regional powers and securing stable borders for China.
Excerpt from the Book
Geopolitical Perspectives
Historically, Chinese geopolitics mainly focused on land territories, most of their territorial disputes were solved in the 1960’s and 1990’s and China now focuses on its maritime influence (Milhiet, 2017). China always wants to reclaim Taiwan and continue claim Tibet as an autonomous region. The China shares almost 80% border with South Asia. Indeed, China proclamation about “One China Policy”- covers Taiwan, Tibet, Macau, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, which China considered these places as geopolitically important. China also has a major concern of India’s rise, and in South Asia India seems to be a regional power by default (Wagner, 2017, p.1). The US also has a continuous keeping his eye to make an arc of Asia that crosses the South Asia. Developments in the fields of politics, economics, and security indicate that India is at a structural disadvantage to China in the region (Wagner, 2017). Daniel S. Markey, adjunct senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia claimed border disputes or colliding maritime ambitions—is by it unlikely to spark conflict between China and India (Council on Foreign Relations, 2016). However, Chinese geopolitics has more proximity to economic factors than military factors. We all know that the Chinese economy has been continuously rising, so China is searching the easy way of market. China needs friends to fulfil its geopolitical goals. The large ports in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Malaysia- three countries along a major oil and commerce route from the Mideast and Africa could someday double as naval logistics hubs (Watkins, Lai & Bradsher, 2018, November 26).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the context of Chinese foreign policy and explains the shift toward smart power in the post-Cold War and post-9/11 international environment.
Review of Literature: Discusses existing scholarly views on power dynamics, including the transition from traditional military focus to modern diplomatic flexibility.
Methodology: Outlines the research approach, utilizing thematic content analysis and secondary sources to examine China's geopolitical viability in South Asia.
Conceptual Clarification: Defines the core concepts of soft, hard, and smart power within the context of Chinese resource utilization.
Beginning China Soft Power in South Asia: Traces the historical evolution of China's external relations and its growing awareness of the need for soft power strategies.
South Asia in Chinese Foreign Policy: Analyzes the core principles of China’s regional involvement, emphasizing stability and the protection of non-negotiable interests.
Geopolitical Perspectives: Examines China's territorial ambitions and the strategic focus on maritime influence and regional infrastructure.
Political Economy Perspectives: Explores China's investment strategy as a means to secure stable energy flows and improve its national image.
Belt and Road Initiatives: Evaluates the significance of the BRI as a tool for political and economic integration in South Asia.
Development Assistance and Aid: Discusses how China uses economic grants and infrastructure projects to gain influence in neighboring countries.
Public Diplomacy: Examines China's efforts to manage its international image and foster a desirable opinion environment through communication and relief support.
Exchange Programs: Analyzes the use of cultural diplomacy, Confucius Institutes, and student scholarships to integrate Chinese values into regional societies.
Trade Structure of China in South Asia: Reviews China’s role as a primary exporter and its growing trade volume with South Asian partners.
China Military Assistance in South Asia: Addresses the supply of arms and military infrastructure as a component of China's "smart power" framework.
The Ultimate Chinese Goal in South Asia: Discusses China's long-term objectives regarding counterterrorism, border security, and regional dominance.
Conclusion: Summarizes how the synthesis of these various tools constitutes an effective "smart diplomacy" in the South Asian peninsula.
Keywords
Soft power, smart power, hard power, public diplomacy, cultural exchange, Belt and Road Initiative, South Asia, foreign policy, geopolitical, economic development, infrastructure, military assistance, agenda setting, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, regional stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper explores how China utilizes "smart power"—a hybrid of soft and hard power instruments—to assert influence and pursue its strategic goals in South Asia.
What are the primary thematic areas?
The main themes include geopolitical interests, economic development and trade, public diplomacy, cultural integration through exchange programs, and military assistance.
What is the research goal of this paper?
The primary goal is to understand why and how China has shifted its agenda setting in South Asia, moving beyond traditional diplomacy to more comprehensive smart power strategies.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author employs thematic content analysis and evaluates secondary sources, including diplomatic discourse, speeches, and economic reports, to assess China’s regional strategy.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers a range of instruments China uses to gain influence, from the Belt and Road Initiative and economic aid to the establishment of Confucius Institutes and military cooperation.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Soft power, smart power, hard power, public diplomacy, geopolitical perspectives, and the Belt and Road Initiative.
How does the "String of Pearls" strategy function in this context?
The "String of Pearls" refers to China's development of maritime infrastructure and port facilities in the Indian Ocean to secure trade routes and enhance its maritime reach.
What is the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative for South Asia?
It acts as a primary vehicle for infrastructure development and economic integration, which helps China secure its regional influence and address its long-term strategic goals.
How do Confucius Institutes support China's diplomatic agenda?
They serve as tools of cultural diplomacy, intended to spread the Chinese language and culture, thereby improving China's international image and creating a more favorable public perception.
Does the author consider China's approach successful?
The author concludes that by skillfully integrating various soft and hard tools, China is effectively performing "smart diplomacy" to project its influence across the South Asian peninsula.
- Quote paper
- Sudip Pandit (Author), 2018, China Agenda Setting in South Asia: Skills of Smart Power, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/498320
