Chinese Influence Research Articles

Acculturation of Palembang Songket Cloth Culture

This article discusses cultural acculturation related to Palembang songket fabric. The study reveals how Palembang songket cloth experiences cultural acculturation through interaction with various elements of local, regional, and global culture. Through this study, the authors identified various factors that influence acculturation of songket fabric, such as migration, trade, and cultural interaction. The approach used in this study is a qualitative approach. Qualitative approaches are often used in cultural studies to understand and analyze acculturation processes, cultural interactions, and the role of songket cloth in Palembang society. Qualitative research methods involve data collection through observation, interviews, and text analysis, as well as in-depth interpretation to understand complex cultural phenomena. The results of the study are in the context of acculturation; Palembang songket cloth has experienced the influence of Malay, Chinese, Arab, and Indian cultures, which is reflected in the patterns and motifs that exist on songket cloth. In addition, the acculturation of Palembang songket fabric culture also reflects adaptation to global market trends and demands. This article contributes to an understanding of how cultural acculturation can shape and influence a region’s distinctive textile traditions, with a case study of Palembang songket fabric as a relevant example.
 Keywords: cultural acculturation, Palembang songket cloth, cultural identity

Triangular Dynamics: US Response to China’s Assertiveness in the Middle East

New dynamics govern today’s Middle East politics. At a time when Beijing has become a major player and the US perceives China as the sole credible threat to its global primacy, many Middle Eastern states play a triangulation game, offsetting Washington’s pressure with deepening ties with China. In response, the US now sees the region through the prism of managing its rivalry with Beijing. The Biden administration’s strategy is to identify key allies and integrate them into small networks to help protect American interests against Chinese influence. However, with such a strategy the US is setting itself up for frequent setbacks. Since those coalitions, based on the Abraham Accords, bypass the Palestinian issue, America’s Arab allies often find themselves faced with escalation in the occupied territories, thus derailing the work of such networks. Besides, many of America’s Middle East allies have no intention of getting embroiled in the US–Chinese tension.

The Paradox of Exchange: Institutional Asymmetry and the Limitations of Religious United Front Work across the Taiwan Strait

This article investigates how cross-strait distinction in religious governance affects Beijing’s united front work in Taiwan’s popular religious community. Due to shared spiritual lineages, Taiwanese temples are considered especially receptive to Chinese influence. Based on fieldwork and in-depth interview data collected over the years between 2013 and 2024, this article argues that institutional asymmetry has resulted in constant challenges limiting the effectiveness of cross-strait religious united front work. First, the centralised Chinese politico-religious order has limited the agency of the Chinese religious establishment in prioritising the CCP’s political imperative over religious logic. Second, decentralised Taiwanese temples have created coordination problems for cross-strait brokers whose agendas are not always aligned with Beijing. Finally, Taiwanese temple leaders abiding by communal religious traditions have deployed pragmatic coping strategies to sideline Beijing’s political intentions. Hence, Beijing’s efforts to initiate and repurpose cross-strait religious exchanges as instances of unity have paradoxically generated conflicting narratives within the Taiwanese popular religious community.

ASEAN Policies towards the US-China Relationship during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The relationship between the US, China, and ASEAN as regional cooperation covers a wide range of aspects of international relations. Although the aspect of security and finance are considered as traditionally the largest aspect of the cooperation. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic brings one more aspect to this relationship. The covid-19 pandemic is also showing the rivalry between two major powers now, China and the United States. The question is then where ASEAN will stand in this contestation. The US has been playing a role as a crucial partner for ASEAN and its member states, but in recent decades, some people argue that ASEAN is growing more preference to China. Some argue that the historical, cultural, and geographical proximity led ASEAN members to be close to China, others argue that Chinese financial and investment supports are more accessible than the ones from the Western world including the US. Some argue that ASEAN is openly embracing Chinese influence in the region because China does not bother with any issues regarding human rights, something that ASEAN member states’ government are reluctant to deal with. For ASEAN, under the mixture of the situation of China-US rivalry, the global pandemic, and domestic problems that occurred in each member states, what should ASEAN do? How the pandemic weighs in the US-China-ASEAN relationship? This study is examining the policies of ASEAN regarding the rivalry between the US and China during the time of the Covid 19 pandemic. I argue that ASEAN will not move away from its original position to stay neutral. And at the same time, ASEAN will also apply the non-interference policies toward its member states to conduct their own bilateral relations with the US and China. These policies are also applied for their policies regarding Covid-19 vaccines. Most ASEAN member states are buying Covid-19 vaccines from China. This study limits the examination only from the perspectives of ASEAN as regional cooperation and ASEAN member states toward US-China dynamics relations during the pandemi.

미중패권경쟁에서 아세안을 통한 한국의 경제개발 전략에 관한 연구

The trade competition between the United States and China is fierce enough to affect relevant allies. Semiconductors play an important role in cutting-edge technology, so much so that they are called the rice of the high-tech industry. Since they are essential for automobiles, mobile phones, displays, etc., there is a need to ensure a safe supply chain in the industry. This study focused on the need to strengthen economic diplomacy using ASEAN to enhance Korea's national interests amid the US-China hegemony competition. ASEAN countries pursue practical benefits through hedging strategies. As the war in Ukraine continues and Israel and the Palestinian radical armed group led by Hamas are at war, an international security crisis is emerging, and ASEAN countries are converging on the need for strategic cooperation. The United States has consistently made efforts to improve relations, emphasizing a pivot to Asia. China believes that it is necessary to secure Chinese influence in the Southeast Asian region and is actively participating in ASEAN. Korea In order to strategically overcome this difficult situation, we must strengthen cooperation with ASEAN countries and promote economic diplomacy to secure practical benefits. Korea should strengthen economic diplomacy with ASEAN and make strategic efforts to create a win-win relationship when ASEAN countries achieve rapid economic growth in the future. Korea should secure its national interests by cooperating with Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia and strengthening economic diplomacy.

Artistic Confluence: Examining the Cultural and Religious Interplay Between Yunnan and Imperial China During the Sui-Tang and Song Periods in Art

This study delves into the cultural nuances of the peripheral kingdoms in the west and south-west regions during the Sui-Tang and Song periods of Imperial China. While there's extensive research on mainstream Chinese identity, these peripheral regions, particularly Yunnan, have been relatively underexplored. The area witnessed a shift from scattered chiefdoms to more structured governance, with the Nanzhao Kingdom consolidating power by the 8th century. With the introduction of Azhaliism, a form of esoteric Buddhism, in the 9th century, Buddhism replaced local pagan practices, significantly influencing the region's cultural and artistic expressions. This study analyses art pieces from the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods, examining four pieces from both the respective local kingdoms and their corresponding Chinese dynasties. The art pieces, including the renowned Illustrated History of Nanzhao and the Thousand Buddha Picture from the Dali Kingdom, offer insights into the evolving cultural dynamics, reflecting both unique regional attributes and broader Chinese influences. The research suggests a growing alignment of Yunnan art with mainstream Chinese styles post the Tang dynasty, emphasizing the region's gradual Sinophilic shift, while retaining its distinctive Indo-Tibetian elements. This analysis underscores the multifaceted cultural interplay between Yunnan and central China, illuminating the symbiotic evolution of their artistic and cultural identities.

Traditions of Chinese classical literature and Western literature in Mo Yan’s novel “The Republic of Wine”

The article is devoted to the problem of interaction between the genres of Eastern and Western literature, which is an important part of modern literary criticism. In this paper, the interaction of genres is considered on the basis of Mo Yan’s novel “The Republic of Wine” (1992), translated into Russian in 2012 by I. Egorov. The work of the modern Chinese writer is studied in the aspect of “hallucinatory realism”, for its development the author was awarded the Nobel Prize (2012). The article studies the influence of classical Chinese literature genres and philosophy and Western literature on modern Chinese literature, based on the novel “The Republic of Wine” by Mo Yan. The novel of the Chinese writer is analyzed in the context of the world literary process. The article discusses the transformation of motifs and characters of Chinese classical literature in the novel by a modern Chinese author. The main characters of the novel are studied in relation to the plot-forming function they perform, the main of them is the detective one. The plot of the detective story is considered in relation to the satirical tradition. The article presents Mo Yan’s view of the traditions, mentality and lifestyle of the Chinese people. The purpose of the work is to determine the main aspects of the influence of Chinese and Western literature on the work of Mo Yan “The Republic of Wine”. As a result of the study, we describe the plot motifs and images of classical Chinese and Western novels, the ideological principles of Chinese philosophy, which are embodied in Mo Yan’s novel “The Republic of Wine”.

CHINA AND EUROPE: INFORMATION GEOPOLITICS IN THE ERA OF NEW MEDIA

The article is devoted to the (geo-)political strategies of the EU and China in the modern communication space mediated by Internet technologies. As the main features of this space, the authors highlight the presence of a single and indivisible offline and online society; the permanent and progressive nature of communication; the use of new information exchange technologies; the introduction of new communicators into the environment through manipulation and influence techniques; the development of free exchange of ideas and information, regardless of borders. The authors note that political communication today directly expresses the essence of the information society and thus - both its new opportunities and risks for the promotion of ideological meanings and the realization of power goals. In recent years, the unconditional hegemony of the West in the global communication space has been replaced by sharp competition with China. At the same time, the participants of this competition seek to restrict access to their spaces of information sources from the competitor. The authors show how this works using the example of European and Chinese media. Separately, the article analyzes the emerging turn towards a new global communication subject to Chinese influence. In a comparative perspective, the key features of the European communicative space in modern political realities are indicated. Further, the article shows that the creation of its own social network in China (WeChat), as well as the improvement of the interaction process within the Chinese community (the opening of blogging sites, etc.), led to the spread of internal ideologically significant networks outside the PRC. This attracted representatives of other regions and states to the cultural environment of this country. The authors conclude that due to this process, there is not only competition for dominance in the global communication space, but also a tendency to improve the interaction of countries in all spheres of life.

Çin’in Yükselişi Bağlamında Çin-Orta ve Doğu Avrupa İşbirliği: Realist Bir Bakış Açısı

Following the 2008–2009 global financial crisis, China began to engage in power competition in the CEE region for its economic and political interests. The EU regards the increase of Chinese influence in the CEE as a threat to its integrity and the interests of EU member states. The study argues that the basis of China-CEE cooperation is based on a realist thought that serves China's rise, aims to maximize China's economic power, and prioritizes Chinese interests. The study presents the basic motivations underlying China's involvement in power competition in the CEE, the impact of China’s growing influence in the CEE on the dominant actors in the region, such as the EU and Germany, and also their attitudes towards China-CEE cooperation from a realist perspective.

Unravelling President Obama’s Myanmar Policy: Pragmatic Liberalism at Play

This study aims to examine the US’s Myanmar policy from the perspective of pragmatic liberalism and explore the primary factors behind the policy shift in 2009. It fills a gap in the literature by offering a rare analysis of US-Myanmar policy through the lens of pragmatic liberalism. The research methodology employs document search and elite interviews to gather comprehensive insights. The research questions focus on understanding how pragmatic liberalism manifested in Obama’s Myanmar policy and identifying the objectives he aimed to achieve. The findings reveal that Obama’s Myanmar policy aligns with the principles of pragmatic liberalism. It can be analysed through two dimensions: modelling creation and hegemony maintenance. Within the context of Sino-US competition, the primary factor driving the US's policy change in Myanmar is China. Consequently, the US’s policy shift aims to establish a new strategic partner to contain Chinese influence in Southeast Asia, thereby maintaining US hegemony in the region. This study contributes to the understanding of US-Myanmar relations and sheds light on the underlying motivations and dynamics of the US’s policy shift. By adopting a pragmatic liberalist approach, the US seeks to shape Myanmar’s trajectory while safeguarding its strategic interests in the region.

Global China and everyday mediation in the Global South: Selling Chinese fashion in Mozambique via WhatsApp

Combining online and offline data collection during six months of ethnographic fieldwork in Southern Mozambique in early 2021, this paper explores how media and its everyday use in the Global South are impacting on, and are in turn being transformed by China. It specifically looks into the creative and personalised ways in which Chinese-made garments are sold and promoted in Mozambique via the messenger service WhatsApp. Examining how Mozambican and West African traders use WhatsApp groups and status updates to mediate the fashionability of these Chinese goods, this paper shows that the consequences of Chinese interactions with the Global South on the global media landscape transcend the mere spread of Chinese hardware and software. Going beyond dominant, state-centred narratives of Chinese influence abroad, this paper demonstrates the key role of individuals and their agency in shaping the digital impact of Global China. By doing so, it also highlights the importance of analysing media practices in their specific local contexts.

A New Chapter in Value Chain Connections between China and Europe: Are Advanced Services a New Area of Chinese Influence in European Manufacturing?

One way to mark the presence of Chinese companies in Europe is the servicification of manufacturing with advanced services such as information and communication (ICT). Therefore, the article aims to identify the intensification of the influx of Chinese ICT services in the manufacturing of European economies, especially regarding industries dealing with transport equipment and computers, electronic and electrical equipment. A key research question going forward is: whether technological developments in China affect the country's servicification links with European manufacturing in advanced services. Applying input-output models, the study confirmed that China is more intensively servicing manufacturing in Europe with its ICT services, and the intensity of this servitization increases with the stronger position of a value-added country in GVCs.

A New Language for a New Perception: A Study of the Influence of Chinese Poetry on the Composition of Spring and All

Abstract This essay highlights the numerous evidences of Chinese influences on Williams’s poetry, and particularly on the composition of Spring and All. What was it in Chinese poetry that could help Williams accomplish his poetic modernization which Pound was urging him to perform? In which ways and to which extent did Williams use Chinese poetic forms and concepts to compose his modernist masterpiece? As a continuation of the research of Wai-Lim Yip and Zhaoming Qian, two of the very few scholars who have focused their attention on this topic, this essay asks how much of what is seen by Western critics as poetic innovations by Williams can actually be seen as appropriations or derivations from Chinese language and poetics. It highlights that many of the poetic devices used in Spring and All, Williams’s breakthrough volume as a modernist, are actually either borrowed from traditional Chinese poetics, or result from the fusion of the English language with ideogramic linguistic concepts.

The Strategy of Russia in the Trans-Eurasian Connectivity

It was observed in the recent period that strategic initiatives enhancing connectivity in the Eurasian continent. Since 2014, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been promoted by China, and some CIS countries, including Russia, established the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in 2015. Several East–West routes exist, in contrast to which the INSTC is the only one meridional transcontinental corridor in the EAEU. The rapidly growing economy of India, on the other hand, for which the INSTC could be the land-based corridor of choice for efficient trade with Russia and Central Asia. Ongoing challenges, bureaucratic delays, and inter-regional disputes are the challenges likely to be faced by the project as competition for influence across Eurasia continues to heat up. INSTC may become a major game-changer in global trade as well as in the broader region provided it tackles all the obstacles in its way. The northwestern part of Europe and the Nordic countries, along with Central Asia and the Persian Gulf, are connected through this multimodal INSTC. Passing through the Suez Canal and Gibraltar, multimodal routes are to be facilitated for the shift of freight that flows from these sea routes. The INSTC has not gained as much traction as the existing Eurasian corridors and TRACECA, given sanctions imposed on Iran and bottlenecks in the transport infrastructure. The active interaction of the EAEU member states with India and Iran, over the last several years, as well as a better regulatory environment around the Caspian Sea, drove its development. To form the framework for a strong connectivity network from the Indian Ocean to the Baltic States and Scandinavia, for which the INSTC has much potential. Besides its significance economically and its capacity to improve the bilateral relations of member states, INSTC also has the potential to act as a major counterbalance to Chinese influence in the region of Central Asia where the interests of Russia, Iran, and India, the leading INSTC states, also align. Ongoing challenges, bureaucratic delays, and inter-regional disputes are the challenges likely to be faced by the project as competition for influence across Eurasia continues to heat up. INSTC may become a major game-changer in global trade as well as in the broader region provided it tackles all the obstacles in its way.

Exploring the Influence of L1 Chinese on L2 English Acquisition

The impact of L1 Chinese on L2 English acquisition has received more attention as more Chinese students study English as a second language. This paper reviews previous research on Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and introduces some factors that can influence language transfer. The writers focus on three linguistic aspects, syntax, lexicon, and phonology, to explore how English as Second Language (ESL) learners L1 Chinese has influenced their English acquisitions. Results found that: 1) Syntax: The syntax structure includes many factors influencing Chinese learners English acquisition, such as subjects, verbs, and adverbs. English requires an issue while Chinese tend to omit the subject; English has a verb conjugation system while Chinese does not; and English adverbs can be placed in different positions according to the type while Chinese adverbs are mainly set in the middle; 2) Lexicon: Lexical errors may occur when ESL learners may make errors when they meet the differences in linguistic features such as polysemy, part of speech and word collocations between the two languages.; 3) Phonology: As Chinese is a tonal language and English is a non-tonal language, their tones of phonology are, to some extent, different, which might cause ESL learners confusion. These features of Chinese and English differ, and how these disparities have prevented positive language transfer from Chinese to English is explored. As a result, this study can inform second language instructors of the distinctions between the two languages and offer resources for future instruction of ESL students.

The Rise of China and its Interplay with the Russian and Turkish Regimes

How does the rise of China challenge the existing international order? What are the possible outcomes of the interplay between China’s rise and the current trajectory of the Russian and Turkish regimes? Based on a qualitative analysis, I find twomajor dilemmas for the current power dynamics have resulted from China’s challenging behavior in the international system. First, while China promotes steady relationships based on mutual interests facilitated by the rule-based international order, it also carries out actions which feed its aspirations for exploiting the current international institutions. Second, while China underlines the importance of a Westphalian style of sovereignty and non-interference, it also takes interventionist actions in both cyberspace and territorial space. Based on identification of ChinaRussia and China-Turkey interactions through the variations in the most ‘central’ domestic issues of the current governments in Russia and Turkey, I predict four possible outcomes, shedding light on the future policy directions in Russia and Turkey: 1) a prolongation of Putin’s campaign in Ukraine, 2) an acceleration in the process of de-dollarization, 3) lasting Chinese influence on Turkey’s Kurdish issue, and 4) an increase in Turkey’s tendency toward a Chinese-style ‘growth’ model.

Chinese-driven Ghana rosewood trade: Actors and access dynamics

The growing demand for rosewood in China has led to systemic and rapid illegal exploitation in many forest-rich countries in tropical regions, especially in Africa. It is speculated that there is a 26-billion-dollar rosewood industry in China. West African countries contribute about 80% of rosewood to global trade. Ghana has been ranked second in Africa and fourth in the world among top suppliers of rosewood logs to China by volume. Drawing theoretical insights from access theory and based on original empirical research conducted in Ghana from April to August 2022, we analyze how a constellation of actors along the rosewood trade chain had access to that natural resource. In the same vein, we scrutinize the complexity of the related formal and informal network arrangements both between key actors and within state bureaucracies in Ghana. Our research broadly responds to the question of how Chinese investors got access to rosewood in Ghana and examines the different institutional arrangements which encouraged the Chinese-driven trade of rosewood in Ghana. Our findings reveal that there was no formalized agreement between Ghana and China’s rosewood trade as the related domestic market was sporadic and informally initiated in 2009 by a Chinese entrepreneur. The study reveals that different non-state and state institutions (including sectoral state bureaucracies and individuals) benefited from the rosewood trade without recourse to a formal governance structure. The study reveals an embedded informal system of national and community-level arrangements, which enabled access to rosewood and its attendant benefits. This research makes an empirical-based contribution to what drives access to and who benefits from the globalization of natural resources in African countries characterized by ‘political disorder’. From a China-Africa relations perspective, this work contributes to the politics of natural resources and the related sustainability challenges in the context of increasing global Chinese influence in Africa.

Acculturation of Javanese and Chinese Culture in Rural Tourism in Desa Wisata Besani

The research paper investigates the cultural exchange between Javanese and Chinese traditions in rural tourism at Desa Wisata Besani, Central Java. Rural tourism has become popular among international travelers seeking authentic experiences and sustainable community engagement. Desa Wisata Besani, known as the "Acculturation Gate of Java-China," offers a unique blend of Javanese and Chinese influences, making it an intriguing destination. The study uses qualitative methods to understand the factors attracting tourists and the impact on the local community's livelihood and identity. The village's strengths, such as its rich cultural heritage and strategic location, contribute to its aspiration of becoming a thriving rural tourism destination and a cultural exchange hub. The rising interest in cultural tourism and China's investments present growth opportunities for the village. Integrating Mandarin language learning into the tourism experience further enhances its appeal to Chinese tourists. The study acknowledges limitations and suggests future research directions. In conclusion, Desa Wisata Besani showcases the potential of rural tourism in fostering cultural understanding and appreciation, benefiting both tourists and the local community.

Akulturasi Arsitektur Bangunan Cina pada Masjid Agung Sang Cipta Rasa Cirebon

This research explores the phenomenon of acculturation of Chinese building architecture at the Sang Cipta Rasa Grand Mosque in Cirebon, an exciting case of combining Islamic architecture and traditional Chinese elements. The main focus of this research is to understand how Architectural Chinese elements are integrated into the design of mosque buildings in a harmonious and meaningful way. This research method involves a multidisciplinary approach, including literature analysis, visual observations, and interviews with architects and local historians who have in-depth knowledge of mosques and cultural acculturation in the region. The research results reveal that Grand Mosque successfully created an architectural masterpiece that skillfully combines Chinese Architectural elements. Elements such as a curved Chinese- style roof with decorative ornaments reminiscent of Chinese culture, columns, pillars with distinctive traditional carvings, and decorative motifs on the walls illustrate the influence of Chinese architecture integrated into the mosque's design. Despite the strong Chinese influence, this building maintains the essence of Islam and local culture. This research contributes to understanding how cultural acculturation can be reflected in the physical form of buildings, especially in religious contexts. The results of this research can be a valuable reference for the planning and development of future structures that harmonize elements from different cultures while respecting the values and goals of each culture involved.

Why do «neighbouring» powers help? India, China, Russia, and their approaches to development in 2001–2021 Afghanistan

The paper identifies the development approaches of China, India, and Russia towards 2001–2021 Afghanistan, and investigates the complex mechanism of their impact on international relations in the region of wider Central Asia. The main finding is that only India has tried to incorporate Afghanistan into its regional economic initiatives. For China and Russia, Afghanistan has been a ‘troubled neighbour’, and they acted as free riders benefiting from the US security and economic presence there, regardless of their claims. Despite its minor activity in Afghanistan, China is becoming the most dominant actor in the region by cooperating with Pakistan. Therefore, India tended to oppose Chinese efforts by providing huge funding to Afghanistan to balance Chinese influence. Meanwhile, Russia was increasingly limiting its activity, both in Afghanistan and the region, and tried to balance the influence of other powers by diplomatic means. The article also proves that, despite their membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and their association in the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) Group, emerging donors in fact did not cooperate for Afghanistan’s development, and also did not try to compete with Western donors in this regard.