Journal of Public Diplomacy

The Korean Association for Public Diplomacy (한국공공외교학회)
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How China Constructs Cultural Self-confidence

  • Dongnu Guo (School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University & Center for Australian Studies, China University of Mining and Technology)
  • Received : 2023.08.12
  • Accepted : 2023.11.20
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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Abstract

Cultural self-confidence and its implications for China's domestic and foreign affairs have become a focus of attention in Chinese IR discourse and cultural studies since 2010. As analysts consider that China's international relations policy-makers draw from ideas and understandings about cultural self-confidence from domestic debates and discussions on the concept. This paper investigates how cultural self-confidence is understood by Chinese scholars and why they recognise it as now imperative at this point for China's development. In so doing, it aims to provide insights into some of the concepts that may influence China's 'self-confidence' narrative in its foreign policy messaging. The focus of discussion on scholarly writings is limited to journal articles that have been associated with studies funded by the Chinese government since their views are expected to align to some degree or another, with the broad direction of China's internal 'discourse-power building. Indeed, the discussion of the concept of cultural self-confidence is aligned with China's objective of enhancing its discourse power through promoting soft power and public diplomacy, and finally leading to the realisation of the China Dream. The influence of domestic scholarly discussions on cultural self-confidence on China's foreign policy is potentially significant. It not only reflects how China's emerging discourse power views its global position, but also indicates how China expects others to view it.

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