CHINA’S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY THROUGH CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE IN BOTSWANA 2008-2016

Abstract

The 21st century with its sophisticated globalization brings change in the international political system thereby providing China with the opportunity to challenge the influence of Western super powers, such as the United States of America particularly on Africa. As a rising superpower in the global arena, China found the need to reshape its national image and enhance its international influence, so in order to make China’s political, society and economic rise pleasant in the world. Africa has an important strategic significance for China. It is necessary for China to keep a batter image with African countries as growing political interests in Africa intensifies. Finally, China apply a kind of unique Public Diplomacy that especially focusing on the surrounding image to develop their diplomacy. In recent times China found a need to engage with foreign audiences. Public diplomacy is a strategy which is being incorporated to further influence. The focus of this study was on the Confucius Institute and China’s public diplomacy in Botswana. The general objective of the study was to examine whether the Confucius Institute is effective in promoting Chinese language and culture in Botswana. If these activities can inspire Chinese company and people to get a batter development in Africa, the Chinese government should allocate more resources in the activities of Confucius Institute at University of Botswana (henceforth referred to as CIUB). However CIUB has the potential to adequately explain the face of China in Botswana. To this end, it will be recommended that effort should be made to extend the Confucius Institute program to the rural areas as soon as possible to bring into fruition China’s noble idea.