Academic Exchange Programs between China and the Arab Region: A Means of Cultural Harmony or Indirect Chinese Influence?

Mohamad Zreik

doi:10.13169/arabstudquar.43.2.0172

Abstract

China relies on soft power for its economic and political expansion, and this strategy has proven effective in achieving the goals set by the Chinese administration. China-Arab relations have developed greatly in the past ten years, in parallel with the increase in the number of Arab students in China. This article examines the Chinese soft power strategy towards the Arab region through student exchange programs, and the role of students in the development of Sino-Arab relations. China achieves strategic goals through soft power. A survey was conducted on a group of Arab students in China, specifically in Wuhan, to learn more about the orientations of Arab students towards Chinese policies and to get a clearer idea of life and study in China. The article concludes with new concepts about life in China, and about the Chinese environment, which have proved to be attractive to Arab students.

Highlights

China has moved from the closed-door policy to openness and international cooperation due to the political and economic changes made by successive Chinese leaders, the reform and opening up policy established by Deng Xiaoping in December 1978
Soft power has become an engine of Chinese politics, and many studies indicate that China will not develop and become an international power without making soft power the centerpiece of its foreign relations, because the Chinese model is totally different from the United States
The study indicated that China relies heavily on soft power towards the Arab region, and this strategy has shown success through peaceful Chinese expansion

Summary

Introduction

China has moved from the closed-door policy to openness and international cooperation due to the political and economic changes made by successive Chinese leaders, the reform and opening up policy established by Deng Xiaoping in December 1978. Soft power has become an engine of Chinese politics, and many studies indicate that China will not develop and become an international power without making soft power the centerpiece of its foreign relations, because the Chinese model is totally different from the United States. Student exchange programs enhance the soft power of the host country Most of those who studied in the United States defend American values such as human rights and freedom of opinion and expression, even if they contradict the values in their homeland. Most Arab countries want peace and economic progress through soft power, so partnership with China may fulfill the aspirations of the Arabs Both the Arabs and the Chinese have suffered for long periods from Western attacks and unjust policies (Alterman, 2009: 72). China was not an option for study, but in the past ten years, China has become the ideal choice for Arab students

A Survey of Arab Students in Wuhan

Findings

Conclusion