China's Struggle for Influence in its Neighboring Countries

In this episode, we delve into China's ambitious plans to expand its influence in neighboring countries and the challenges it has faced in achieving its goals. While China has achieved economic dominance in the region, its efforts to gain political influence and win the hearts and minds of the people have fallen short.

Despite launching various soft power initiatives, such as cultural exchanges and media outreach, China has struggled to improve its image among its neighbors. Widespread suspicion and distrust of China persist, fueled by concerns about Chinese influence and actions, particularly regarding the treatment of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.

Furthermore, China's attempts to exert hard power through security cooperation have also faced challenges. Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, have been cautious of China's growing influence and have sought support from Russia in times of crisis.

Join us as we explore the reasons behind China's difficulties in creating a sphere of influence in its backyard. We examine the impact of its soft power initiatives, the concerns of neighboring countries, and the resistance China has encountered in its pursuit of regional dominance.

In 2013, in an effort to bind China’s neighbouring countries more closely to Beijing, Xi Jinping ordered his officials “to warm people’s hearts and enhance our affinity, charisma and influence”. But his plan has not gone smoothly. 

The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, David Rennie, and our Asia diplomatic editor, Jeremy Page, discuss why President Xi is finding it hard to win over China’s neighbours. Jeremy travels to Kazakhstan to hear why people are wary of China, despite increasingly close trade links.

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