Public Diplomacy as a Global Phenomenon: China

From: "Independence to using pandas: shifts in Chinese diplomacy," theworldoutline.com

Panda and Public Diplomacy

Panda diplomacy is not a new strategy in Chinese foreign relations. For centuries, pandas have been gifted to other nations to strengthen ties. However, in this era of globalisation, pandas are also being used as a public diplomacy tool to attract foreign visitors, both in China, as well as abroad. By exporting panda bears to zoos abroad, China hopes to gain a favourable public reputation. This use of soft power attempts to create an identity for China amongst a foreign public which can have a positive influence on China’s political and trade relations with other governments.

However, China’s soft power efforts are not limited to the panda bear. Recently, public diplomacy initiatives seem to have really taken off. Over the past two months alone, China has hosted several international cultural diplomacy initiatives. Examples include performances by London’s Shakespeare Globe Company in Hong Kong, appearances of famous Hollywood actors at the opening of the Wanda film studio in Qindao, and the first auction of Christie’s in Shanghai.

At the same time, China is also exporting its own cultural products. The Beijing Opera Group is currently wrapping up its South America tour as well as the opening of a Chinese art exhibition in Madrid in celebration of 40 years of diplomatic ties between China and Spain. Although these are not hard power diplomatic strategies whose effects are immediately felt, China might just be on its way to gaining understanding amongst foreign audiences.

A state the size of China is unavoidable in the globalising international climate. It seems that more than ever, diplomacy is occupying China’s foreign policy strategy. This article has by no means provided a thorough overview of the countless diplomatic initiatives recently taken by the People’s Republic, but it does aim to illustrate a shift in how China conducts its foreign policy. If Chinese diplomatic initiatives continue to revolve around building a strong international reputation among foreign publics and governments, then it is likely that its economy will continue to open up.

The trade of panda bears and the Shanghai Free Trade Zone might not seem connected, but both initiatives demonstrate a careful approach to other (Western) markets. Simultaneously, cultural initiatives promote mutual understanding between Chinese and foreign audiences. The combined effort of hard and soft power diplomacy could make China an even bigger force to be reckoned with on the international stage and warm the state to increased international cooperation in the economic, political, and cultural realm.