Photo: AFP/Xinhua/Liu Xiao
Eurasia
29/10/2023 05:00
Hard power is still a significant factor in the international relations of some Middle Eastern states, but soft power is also becoming increasingly important in the 21st century. The latter includes diplomacy, cultural and religious events, educational exchanges and scholarships, and humanitarian aid.
In recent decades, economic and cultural relations between China and the world have grown at an extremely rapid pace. One important factor in achieving this has been a deeper understanding of and openness to Chinese language and culture. To encourage this, the Chinese government has established Confucius Institutes, which specialise in teaching Chinese language and culture.