Not So Smart: China s Practice of its Soft and Hard Power. FAN Shiming, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of International Studies Peking University

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1 Not So Smart: China s Practice of its Soft and Hard Power FAN Shiming, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of International Studies Peking University

2 China s understanding of power China started to use the concept of comprehensive national power ( 综合国力 )in mid 1980s. The most popular way to assess it was the Cline Formula. In early 1990s, Joe Nye s soft power concept ( 软实力 / 软权力 )was introduced into the Chinese academic circle and later became a hot topic. The soft power concept draw attention from the general public and the leadership around In 2007, the Chinese government firstly embraced the term in official document of the 17th Party Congress. After 2009, smart power( 巧实力 )was also used to describe the combined practice of both hard and soft power.

3 Ray Cline's formula for "power potential," World Power Assessment: a Calculus of Strategic Drift Pp = ( C + E + M ) x ( S + W ) Cis "critical mass" -population, land, position, Eis "economic capability" -e.g., GNP, Mis "military capability" -e.g., military personnel and budget, Sis "strategic purpose" -goals and objectives, and Wis "will" -elite and popular support for purposes.

4 Chinese President Hu Jintao Speaking to the 17th Party Congress in 2007 Culture has become a more and more important source of national cohesion and creativity and a factor of growing significance in the competition in overall national strength [We must] enhance culture as part of the soft power of our country to better guarantee the people's basic cultural rights and interests

5 China s Smart Power Practice International promotion of Chinese Culture ---Confucius Institute ---Educational exchange ---China Cultural Year and other events Economic ---foreign aid programs ---trade and investment Diplomacy ----low-profile diplomacy, good neighbor diplomacy and assurance diplomacy

6 Confucius Institute According to official information, by the end of 2010, there have been 322 Confucius Institutes and 369 Confucius Classrooms established in 96 countries.

7 China s Soft Power Diplomacy Frequent high level visits, summits, and dialogues on bilateral and multi-lateral basis, such as Forum on China-Africa Cooperation; Active engagement with international institutions or organizations, from the WHO to ASEAN, from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to the G20; Responsible stakeholder diplomacy as demonstrated in the Asian Financial Crisis, the North Korea Nuclear Crisis and UN peace-keeping operations; Public diplomacy, for example the Chinese Foreign Ministry has set up a special section a couple of years ago to promote public understanding of China in other countries. The Government also plans a huge investment to help the Chinese media reach international audience. Volunteer teams are also encouraged to go to developing nations.

8 Chinese Foreign Policy Goals Require Smart Power Practice To avoid being involved into conflicts with major powers and neighbors; To secure resources and market that support the economic growth; To take responsibility by coordinating with other countries in solving cross-border problems and regional hot spots; To prevent separatism in Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang; To improve image, cultivate understanding and defuse suspicion/hostility;

9 Effects of China s Soft Power Efforts The Pew Center s Poll Results on China Opinion on China China as partner or enemy? China influence on country

10 Effects of China s Soft Power Efforts Countries surveyed Countries positive on China Countries negative on China

11 Effects of China s Soft Power Efforts

12 What weakens China s smart power practice? The downsides of China s development model not only decrease its attractiveness as a model but limits its sustainability of its hard power growth Lack of exportable political values and pop culture products; sometimes conflicting ideologies The disputes over China s diplomacy and investment--- good governance Inadequate involvement of non-governmental sectors Assertive foreign policies and show-off of hard power, especially to neighboring countries

13 Conclusions The consensus on the necessity of Smart Power approach and different opinions on what and how A reactive, defensive, non-coherent strategy More coordination and participation needed to improve Smart Power practice of China A balance between hard and soft power practice needs more clarification on identity and intention a clearer definition of China s long term strategy and international role.