Chinese Soft Power Strategy in Central Asia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35516/Hum.2026.9993Keywords:
Chinese strategy, soft power, peaceful rise, Central Asia.Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to explore China's soft power strategy toward Central Asia since the launch of the "Belt and Road Initiative." It also sought to identify the fundamental elements China possesses to implement a peaceful rise strategy, which qualifies it to serve as an alternative to the traditional great powers present in the region.
Methods: The study employed a functional approach and a descriptive analytical method to clarify the nature of China's strategy, its objectives, and the tools and means used in its implementation. This was achieved through a precise description of the strategy and its functional expression in both qualitative and quantitative dimensions. Qualitatively, the characteristics and features of the strategy were presented, while quantitatively, it was expressed through statistical tables.
Results: The results revealed that China has formulated a strategy based on peaceful soft power to achieve its national objectives in Central Asia, capitalizing on the distractions of great powers with other issues. This strategy, in its essence, is a replacement strategy that relies on the soft dismantling of U.S. influence and filling the vacuum left by the Russians.
Conclusion: Despite the challenges facing China's soft power strategy for a peaceful rise, it has achieved many national goals. Economically, trade and financial partnerships between China and neighboring countries have grown, reaching a level of mutual dependence. Politically and militarily, China has successfully enhanced its presence in the region.
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