THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED STATES' PUBLIC DIPLOMACY: THE ROLE OF SPORTS DIPLOMACY IN STRENGTHENING THE UNITED STATES AND THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA RELATIONS THROUGH NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOSIATION ENVOYS (2011-2015)

Abstract

Sport relations between the United States and China has been started since Ping Pong diplomacy. The relations of the US and China is a form of soft power, in which it is a power in order to influence other state through cultural influence, which is in this case is basketball. The development of the U.S and China keep growing and in this century it continues into basketball diplomacy. The implementation of the United States public diplomacy to promote basketball culture in China through NBA that work under State Department‘s Sport United Office. NBA itself is a form of the United States sport diplomacy. Yao Ming as Chinese NBA superstar become a bridge for the US and China sport relations in basketball through NBA as a form of the US sport diplomacy. After his retirement in 2011 the development of basketball between US and China keep continue, in order to enhance sport relations between the US and China these two States established Consultation People to People Exchange (CPE). For instance, NBA collaborate with the government of China to establish basketball development program to Chinese student from elementary until high school as well as give a training program to all selected coaches that will be sent to the United States.