Confucius Institutes as a subject of China's foreign policy

Abstract

The article analyzes the activities of Confucius Institutes as a subject of modern foreign cultural policy of China. Methods of increasing influence at the international level are very diverse, ranging from China's participation in international projects (cultural and industrial exhibitions, Olympiads, scientific forums, etc.) organized on its territory to the organization of the media space that gradually covers the whole world. To implement the state policy of "soft power", the Chinese government approved the development of Chinese educational and cultural centers around the world. These institutions bear the name of the greatest Chinese philosopher, the teacher of the nation, Confucius. In China, his name is associated with culture and education, as the philosopher himself attached great importance to tradition and education. The Confucius Institutes network provides opportunities for personal and business contacts of the international community with representatives of Chinese science, culture, business, and politics. Such meetings increase the interest in learning the language, raising it to a more pragmatic level, associated with obtaining new opportunities. As a rule, the departments of the Confucius Institute are opened on the basis of Oriental Studies faculties in the leading national universities of a particular country. Thanks to their educational and cultural projects, the Confucius Institutes arouse not only great interest and desire to join the values of Chinese culture, but also enjoy great trust among all those who love China or plan to connect their lives with the prospects that this country opens for friends, opening up new prospects for student and professor mobility.