Clingendael Diplomatic Studies Programme CDSP

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The Rise of China's Public Diplomacy

July 5, 2007. In a new Clingendael Diplomacy Paper, Ingrid d'Hooghe analyses China's efforts in public diplomacy. With its rapid economic rise and sweeping reforms of its foreign policy and diplomacy, China has gained a place at the forefront of international politics. Conscious of having a problematic image in many parts of the world and aware of the international community’s rising expectations of the upcoming superpower, the Chinese leadership spends more and more time, money and effort on public diplomacy. Beijing addresses negative issues and capitalizes on China’s soft power. It uses a wide variety of instruments and is able to cater to specific audiences in different parts of the world. And with considerable success, especially where public diplomacy is in lock step with policy actions. Read more »