Chinese public diplomacy in Nepal

Abstract

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The origin of public diplomacy can be traced back to the 19th century, but it has now become an effective and useful tool of foreign policy. Traditional diplomacy used to focus on state-to-state relations, but modern diplomacy has made people one of the actors and factors in diplomacy. The development of democracy around the world, globalization and the increasing importance of public opinion have made public diplomacy an important tool of modern diplomacy. Public diplomacy is to understand, inform and influence foreign publics. It is also a means to influence foreign governments through their people. It involves a number of actors and networks. It also involves a number of activities including explaining and advocating the government’s policies in foreign countries; providing information about the country, its people, values, and institutions; building lasting relationships and mutual understanding through the exchange of people and ideas; and advising the home government on foreign attitudes and their implications for its policies. The major tools of public diplomacy are information, education and culture; and its targeted audiences include journalists, government officials, academics, think-tanks, non-governmental organization workers, business leaders, and art societies . It broadly exists in three forms: public-private partnership; citizen diplomacy; and the domestic dimension of public diplomacy. In Nepal’s case, public diplomacy is relatively a new phenomenon, which was introduced after the restoration of democracy. The Constitution of Nepal promulgated in 2015 has made it a mandatory process by including "enhancing the dignity of the nation in the world community" as one of the guiding principles of the state on foreign relations. The Foreign Policy of the Government of Nepal announced in October 2020 has recognized public diplomacy as a tool of Nepali diplomacy, and has institutionalized it by including it in a separate section in the policy document. Nepal has good possibilities of using public diplomacy to the benefit of the country. The proud history and culture, epoch-changing political developments, natural beauty, active involvement in the maintenance of world peace, etc. can be used as sources of soft power for the country. The People's Republic of China is considered one of the countries that have conducted public diplomacy successfully. It has been using various instruments of public diplomacy, such as domestic and foreign media in the English language, the internet, events and projects to increase Chinese visibility abroad, celebrities, educational and cultural exchanges, and Chinese gardens abroad. The instruments for Chinese public diplomacy in Nepal mainly consist of higher education, cultural exchanges and participation, and many other activities through Confucius Institute. China is a good friend and well-wisher of Nepal. It has applied various means and strategies to improve and strengthen its cooperation with its southern neighbour. One of the strategies is China's developmental infrastructure assistance to Nepal, which China calls South-South cooperation, and has a more direct connection with Nepali society. Another such strategy is China's 'good neighbour' policy which exceeds the political sphere and has reached Nepali society and social issues. For China, the South Asian region as a whole carries significance. China is an observer of SAARC, has historical connections with South Asia, and has substantial trade with this region. Although China and the countries in South Asia have different cultures, languages and social values, there are factors linking the two. China’s ascending self-confidence in the world is yet another factor that has created a good impact on Nepal and the Nepali people. Besides news media, which have been helpful in spreading China’s good image, Chinese language teaching, economic assistance, trade, investment, education, student exchanges, and visits of politicians, businessmen, journalists, civil servants and other people from different spheres of the Nepali society have been contributing to enhancing understanding between the people of the two countries Public diplomacy practices are boosting and reshaping the bilateral relations between Nepal and China. A true reflection of Chinese public diplomacy in Nepal was seen in the aftermath of the earthquake of 2015. China extended help through many Chinese organizations (both governmental and non-governmental) in the rescue and relief of earthquake victims. Among other support, the Chinese Government provided three billion Yuan for Nepal’s reconstruction (MoFA, 2022). Higher education is an emerging and useful tool for promoting Chinese public diplomacy in Nepal, which basically aims at promoting mutual understanding, cooperation and exchanges between China and other countries. Nepali students are gradually interested in achieving higher education in China. The scholarship programme has directly contributed to increasing familiarity with China in general, the Chinese higher education system, the Chinese language and Chinese society among Nepali youths. Similarly, Chinese universities have also been exchanging students with Nepal: both sending students to Nepal and receiving Nepali students for higher education in China.In Nepal, the Confucius Institute (CI), which was established in February 2007 under Kathmandu University as an academic institute, has emerged as an effective mechanism for promoting the Chinese language and culture in Nepal. The CI’s activities include celebrating Chinese festivals, participating in festival celebrations organized by other Chinese offices in Nepal, and co-organizing festivals with Nepali organizations. Chinese volunteer teachers also play an important role in introducing Chinese dance, songs and music that is special to particular Chinese festivals in Nepal. Thus the Confucius Institute has made remarkable contributions to building internal and external relationships. Other actors that have been instrumental in strengthening public diplomacy between Nepal and China are the universities in both countries. The universities exchange students and faculties and run joint projects. These activities have not only helped the students in making academic advancements through scientific and educational collaborations but also in promoting understanding between the two countries. Thus, public diplomacy has been used by China as a useful and effective tool for its foreign policy. It has been instrumental in promoting cooperation, helping Nepal in various fields and promoting understanding between the two countries and their people.