China's Soft Power Diplomatic Cooperation in Africa and the Middle East: Towards a Win-Win Multilateral Cooperation?

Introduction

The concept of soft power in international relations has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly as a contrast to the more traditional notion of hard power. Soft power, a term coined by Joseph Nye in the late 20th century, encapsulates the ability of a country to persuade or attract others to do what it wants, without force or coercion (Nye, 1990). This form of power is rooted in the appeal and attractiveness of a nation's culture, political ideals, and policies. Soft power operates through different channels compared to hard power, which relies on military and economic means. It is exercised through cultural influence, educational exchanges, diplomacy, and foreign aid, amongst other methods (Nye, 2008). The strength of soft power lies in its subtlety and the way it shapes the preferences and opinions of other nations through appeal and attraction, rather than intimidation or coercion.

In the realm of international relations, soft power has become an increasingly valuable tool for states to achieve their foreign policy objectives. This shift is partially due to the global environment's changing nature, where military might alone be insufficient to ensure influence and the growing interconnectedness of states necessitates more nuanced approaches. Countries that effectively wield soft power are often able to create a positive image globally, attract foreign investments, and influence global opinion and policies in a way that aligns with their own interests (Zreik, 2021a).

In this context, the significance of soft power lies not only in its ability to accomplish what hard power does, but also in its capacity to achieve results that are unattainable through force alone. It promotes a more cooperative and interdependent world, where nations are influenced by the attractive power of culture, values, and policies, rather than the threat of force (Nye, 2004). Understanding and harnessing soft power has thus become a crucial aspect of contemporary international relations and diplomacy.

China's foreign policy and its approach to soft power are multidimensional and have evolved significantly over the past few decades (Zreik, 2023a). Historically, China's foreign policy was characterized by a relatively insular approach, prioritizing domestic concerns and non-interference in the affairs of other nations (Zheng, 2016). However, with its economic rise and increasing global integration, China has adopted a more assertive and proactive stance in international relations (Liu, 2020). Central to China's soft power approach is its emphasis on economic development as a tool for diplomacy. This is exemplified in its extensive investment in infrastructure projects across the globe, particularly in developing countries. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China seeks to build a network of trade routes and strengthen economic ties with countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond (Zreik, 2022). These projects are not only a means of economic expansion but also serve as a vehicle for China to exert its presence and spread its developmental model.

Cultural diplomacy is another key aspect of China's soft power strategy. The country has made significant efforts to promote Chinese culture and language internationally, through means such as Confucius Institutes, cultural exchange programs, and media expansion (Li & Xiaohong, 2016). These endeavors aim to enhance China's global image, foster cultural understanding, and create a favorable environment for its foreign policy goals. Additionally, China employs its soft power through international aid and development assistance. This approach, often termed as 'checkbook diplomacy,' involves providing financial assistance, loans, and aid to other countries (Okano-Heijmans & Asano, 2018). This strategy not only aids the recipient countries but also helps in creating a positive image of China as a benevolent and responsible global power. However, China's soft power approach also faces challenges and criticisms. Issues such as human rights concerns, lack of political freedoms, and territorial disputes in regions like the South China Sea have sometimes negatively impacted its global image (Morton, 2016; Wu, 2016; Nathan & Scobell, 2015). Moreover, skepticism about the intentions behind China's economic investments and aid can also limit the effectiveness of its soft power (Nye, 2019; Barr, 2011; Xu, Wang, & Song, 2020).