MAIN FACTORS OF CHINA’S SOFT POWER IN CENTRAL ASIA
Keywords:
Central Asia, soft power, Confucius Institute, Chinese language, cultural influence.Abstract
The strengthening of China’s soft power in Central Asia is believed to be closely associated with the process of Chinese language learning. Teaching and learning of the Chinese language in Central Asia began in the times of the Soviet Union. However, it has received a boost after the Central Asian states gained independence, in the context of the development of bilateral and multilateral diplomatic relations between China and Central Asia. Currently, there are two Chinese language learning models in the Central Asian countries:
1) in higher education institutions of Central Asian countries and in private training centers;
2) in Confucius Institutes and classes, as well as in Chinese Language Centers created by the Chinese government.
Confucius Institutes are not limited to teaching the Chinese language and culture only to students, they have already started teaching in the region’s elite secondary schools and other educational and scientific institutions.
Confucius Institutes and classes, as governmental educational institutions of the PRC, are expanding their linguistic and cultural influence on the basis of state finances and technologies. This is facilitated by the development of trade and economic relations and entrepreneurship between China and Central Asia. Everywhere in the world Chinese enterprises prioritize candidates with knowledge of the Chinese language in employment. Confucius Institutes conduct the official Chinese language examination, as well as the “Chinese Bridge” competition, whose winners have the opportunity to receive a grant for further studies in China. This, in turn, attracts young people.
The activities of Confucius Institutes are mainly aimed at deepening the influence of Chinese culture among its students. As such, they are the drivers of China’s soft power policy. Together with Chinese multi- national companies, Confucius Institutes have a great influence on the penetration of Chinese culture into society through the celebration of Chinese national holidays and the presentation of traditional Chinese customs, songs, dances and poetry. Confucius Institutes exert cultural influence through their own Chinese language textbooks that promote traditional Chinese culture, as well as civilizational and value reference points.
To date, there are sufficient results of the implementation of China’s soft power policy. This situation causes public discontent and criticism of some experts. But the process of learning the Chinese language in Central Asia is bound to continue in the future. However, the region’s population will perceive various elements of Chinese culture in a more selective manner.
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