Analysis Of The Social Impact Of China's Public Diplomacy In Africa In The 21st Century

As the role of the People's Republic of China increases in the global economy and political arena,China has in recent years initiated a series of official contacts as a way of engaging the global socio-economic world.Improvement of relations between the international world and the enhanced communication with the outside world has become one of China's important goals.In order to achieve this aim,China has begun to adopt new tools of engagement.One such important new tool is China's public diplomacy.Due to the fact that universal awareness and development of public diplomacy is derived from the United States,for a number of years this has been the foundation for many scholars,as they tend to focus more on the United States and its public diplomacy initiatives and its variety of practices.Thus,with regard to practical knowledge and awareness about the China's public diplomacy efforts,the ordinary person often has more or less a blurred impression or perception of what it entails.But in actual fact one can say,China is relentless in its efforts to unveil to the world its great qualities and social impact through the presentation of its public diplomacy advantage.It has developed cultural tourism weeks and cultural festivals and organized cultural week celebrations in many countries all as a means of contributing to the promotion of mutual understanding,and the creation of new forms of equal relationships.It can be said that a large part of this dynamic role in the 21st century is seen in China's public diplomacy in Africa in which China has invested large amounts of money and energy in the development of a wide range of public diplomatic avenues in Africa.Many of China's mediums such as media,cultural institutions and activities and as well as educational exchanges and assistance may be similar to that of Western public diplomacy strategy but yet has its own unique potential and input.This paper primarily takes a look at China's African public diplomacy action and its impact or role on the social development of Africa.This is the foremost concern of the 21 century,because in the midst of fierce competitive foreign investment,tourism,as well as economic and political influence in the 21 Century,the required capacity in public diplomacy for a nation is the way it stands out with unique attraction,and how it proceeds to impact others with its core ideas.This is not only achieved by putting forward an attractive slogan,it involves establishing relations and common values.In all,the influence of Chinese public diplomacy in Africa is becoming more obvious,but for widespread effect,the ordinary people and social organizations have a very important role to play.21st Century public diplomacy with its dominant trends in globalization,information and communications technology has the potential to shape China's image and impact in Africa.This is because these factors retract time and distance,and lead to the increasing role of global non-State actors.Thus this paper will further analyze the major role of China's African public diplomacy in this new international era.From the Confucius Institute's role to the role of China's media in Africa,and the contribution of Chinese transnational companies in Africa,the dimensions of China's public diplomacy in Africa and its potential to influence society will be analyzed,in addition to the likely changes and impressions that come with it.Because public diplomacy is linked to soft power,this thesis will also assess aspects of China's soft power and associated views or reactions especially with respect to social development within Africa as well as the initiatives of both Chinese and African people themselves to promote public diplomacy.