CHINA’S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY STRATEGY IN REDUCING POVERTY THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PILOT PROJECT IN CAMBODIA (2017-2020)

Abstract

Public diplomacy is the process by which direct relations with people in a country are pursued to advance the interests including economic, political, and military interests. China is one of the countries that use public diplomacy to pursue its interests abroad. The Chinese government through the China International Center for Poverty Reduction (IPRCC) has implemented the Poverty Reduction Pilot Project as public diplomacy strategy that focused on exchanging and disseminating poverty alleviation experiences in several developing countries, including Cambodia. The efforts to reduce poverty in Cambodia are carried out to promote development in various sectors such as education, culture, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism and finance. This is China’s public diplomacy strategy to promote its influence and dominance in Cambodia in order to achieve its national interests. The purpose of this study is to explain China's public diplomacy strategy in reducing poverty through Pilot Project in Cambodia period 2017-2020. This topic is analysed by using the concept of soft power and public diplomacy theory. This research uses qualitative research methods by utilizing information from previous research such as academic books, journals, and various reviews as secondary sources. This study also uses information and evidence through interviews from the Chinese media (Xinhua) and the results of statistical data from related parties such as the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development (CPAD), the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA), the Ministry of Rural Development of Cambodia, as well as the Poverty Alleviation and Immigration Bureau of Sichuan. The results of this study indicate that China has succeed in proving that the involvement of various actors, dialogue-based approaches, and developing of soft power tools more effective in promoting its image and reputation in Cambodia.