Exploring The Roots of The Chinese Soft Power Exploring The Roots of The Chinese Soft Power

This article attempts to explore the roots of the Chinese soft power. For a few decades, Chinese soft power is under the rigorous scrutiny of the western media. The western media is severely critical of the Chinese economic model, authoritarianism, democracy, and Confucius institutes. China promotes its soft power through its civilization, culture, trade, and economics, win-win model, Shared Destiny, and mutual respect. However, the previous scholarship on China has focused more on the rise of China, the power struggle between China and the US, the Chinese economic model, and authoritarian leadership, whereas events that have helped shape Chinese soft power are less explored. Based on the secondary sources of literature on Chinese soft power, this research aims to explore and explain how Chinese soft power has evolved in China. While Gregory looks at the Chinese soft power in East Asia. It focuses on how the US soft power declined. His study adopts the survey methods in which he surveys the opinions of the people on the Chinese soft power and its influence. After this, he constructs variables to measure soft power. Then he compares his study with other powers in the region. His five sub-indices were: economy, capital, culture, politics, and diplomacy, its effectiveness, Chinese military power perceptions, the significance of their values and interactions and their relationship with the influence of China. His findings showed that in the context of Asia, the Chinese soft power appears to be weak (Holyk, 2011, p. 224). Moreover, the study by James Paradise focuses on how China is establishing its Confucius institutes at the regional and global levels. To promote their culture and language, the universities in China interact or come into contact with higher education institutions in other countries. They believe that their strategy could produce an honorable, respectable, and soft image of their country. Hence, Chinese soft power would begin to be assumed as a benign power. Though, at the same time, the effects of Trojan horses do exist. (Paradise, 2009).


1.
Introduction This article aims to explore and analyze the roots of the Chinese soft power. There are several studies on soft power and Chinese soft power. For instance: the study of Maria Repnikova (2022) has theorized on Chinese soft power and suggests the vision and practices of Chinese soft power in a global context, Kingsley Edney, Stanley Rosen, and Ying Zhu (2020) explore how the Chinese Communist Party has played a role in improving Chinese image. These experts believe that Chinese soft power promotion is essential for its development amid international reaction. The study of Parama Sinha Palit (2017) examines deeply how China has initiated programs for promoting its soft power at the global level and it explains Chinese soft power characteristics. Further, it also suggests limitations of the Chinese soft power. It compares Chinese soft power with Indian initiatives or engagement with China. In addition to this, B.M Jain's study (2020) looks at the Chinese promotion of soft power through diplomacy. It aims to assess whether it is a myth or reality. (Repnikova, M. 2022; Zhu, Y., Edney, K., & Rosen, S. (Eds.) 2019; Palit, P. S. 2017; and Jains, B.M 2020). Whereas less attention has been paid to exploring how Chinese soft power has evolved and which events have shaped it. In line with this, Joseph Nye, an American Political Scientist, has done a profound work on this concept. Globally, his concept is debated and discussed among academia, political scientists, think tanks, diplomats, and the media. Among many books, Nye's widely acclaimed works are: "Power and Interdependence: World Politics in Transition his relationship with others might promote his interests/will despite opposition from the people. (Weber, 1947, p. 152). Weber also considers (power) as a zero-sum game for which he attaches several attributes to power, for instance, capabilities, quality, and resources of a group. Hans Morgenthau (1962/54) argued that hitherto all politics has been a power struggle. It means that power is the ultimate object for which international politics is done. Such conduct for power politics has become a necessity. (Morgenthau, 1962, pp. 25, 31) The scholars like Carr were also on the same page as Morgenthau over the power politics dynamics (Carr, Cox, & Cox, 1946, pp. 102, 201). The crux of the Realist theorists also lies at the heart of state perceptions of the world around which they live. (Mearsheimer, 2001, p. 12).
Power, in international politics, is an ability to coerce, induce or influence other parties in a way that it could not do otherwise. Hard power can influence other groups or parties to do what 'A' likes from 'B'. In this regard, A party uses different ways like military means, coercive diplomacy, and economic sanctions to promote its interests (Campbell & O'Hanlon, 2006). However, in academic parlance, neorealist believes in the hard power pursuit of states whereas, liberal institutionalists focus on the soft power approach. Apart from hard power, soft power is regarded as the capacity of a state to persuade others to do what it wants. In this regard, Joseph Nye, a well-known American expert, in the 1990s, introduced soft power and its usage in the foreign policy of a country. He defines it as "the ability to get what one wants through persuasion or attraction rather than coercion (Joseph S Nye, 1990a). In line with Nye's definition, Cooper (2004) said that soft power possesses the capability of attraction, and covers almost everything but excludes military power. (Cooper, 2004). After defining the soft power, some of the studies have underscored how different studies or discourse shaping Chinese soft power.

3.
Discourse Shaping Chinese Soft power For a few decades, the Chinese soft power has gained much attention from academic scholars, think tank analysts, and the the media. Many articles and books have been written. These writings have advanced our understanding of Chinese soft power from different angles. These perspectives could be related to the expansion of their Soft power in Southeast Asia, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The Chinese journals have surveyed articles published in their journals on Chinese soft power. They have also developed huge databases. Its name is the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. This database survey showed that it has found articles annually with the title "Soft power" in a text were around eight (1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000). The increasing popularity of the Chinese soft power could be seen in the context of deconstructing the notion of China threat theory which was widely debated in the Western discourse. China wanted to inform the world that its rise is for peaceful purposes (Deng, 2009). The Chinese scholarship on their soft power indicates that their approach is unique and deeply rooted in their ideology, culture, and foreign policy (Ding, 1955). China has been making several efforts to enhance its popularity and cultivate its soft power. Their discourse www.irjei.com on soft power is manifested through their studies, writings, and published literature. In this context, one of the experts depicts in their writings a positive image of China in developing countries. (Kurlantzick, 2007).
The Chinese government adopted several methods to increase its soft power. This fact has been crystal clear in the writings of many Chinese scholars. The suggested approach of the Chinese government for their soft power strategy is diplomacy, political discourse, and selfrestraint, promoting culture, public diplomacy and trade, and assistance. In this regard, the study of Bates Gill and Huang informs about the resources of the Chinese soft power. These resources include Chinese culture, domestic values, policies, peacekeeping, and international aid. For the promotion of their culture, the authors discuss the role of Confucius institutes.
Their domestic values are reflected in their developmental model. China has also adopted a good neighborly policy. It has been contributing to peace efforts through aid and peacekeeping efforts at the regional and global levels. These approaches are taken as the Chinese resources for soft power (Gill & Huang, 2006).
In addition to this, Ding (1955) identifies three elements of Chinese soft power. These tools, according to the author, are a practice by China at the domestic level in the shape of their political values. They use diplomatic finesse for their external policies so that people of their countries could be attracted to their cultural values. As explained by Kurlantzick.J. (2007) Chinese efforts overall are aimed at developing their soft image through discourse, debate, publication, and business. These values are transmitted more in Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia but lesser to Latin American countries (Opcit., 2007). In Chinese academic and political discourses, soft power began to be used in 2000. It has become an integral part of their foreign policy. Through foreign policy, Chinese leadership trying to facilitate its rise by constructing a cordial environment at the external level. In this regard, the "Beijing Consensus", public diplomacy, and tourism are also characteristics of soft power. Mikail Kalimuddin and David Anderson (2018) explore the integration of soft power with Chinese security. Their research examines important cases. First, they discuss the South China Sea, secondly, they focus their research on cross-strait ties. Their study revealed that soft power is integrated with Chinese security, and it reflects the great sources of power. (Kalimuddin & Anderson, 2018). Whereas the study of Young Nam Cho and Jong-Ho Jeong (2008) looks at the Chinese soft power from the perspective of civilization, foreign policy, and Beijing Consensus. It finds that the acknowledgment of the Chinese soft power and its relevance and applicability shows China's growing influence in Asia (Cho & Jeong, 2008).
Despite showing the popularity and significance of growing Chinese soft power in Asia, the study by Bates Gill (2006) has identified several obstacles and challenges to the Chinese soft power posture. He gives an example of Taiwan. His study demonstrates that China has not been able to achieve the objectives it intends to achieve. Gill suggests that China needs to be satisfied with a "half-loaf" outcome. He identifies a few challenges in the way of Chinese soft power. For instance, uneven resources, the legality of its diplomacy, and a lack of a consistent agenda. (Opcit., Gill & Huang, 2006:26). While Gregory looks at the Chinese soft power in East Asia. It focuses on how the US soft power declined. His study adopts the survey methods in which he surveys the opinions of the people on the Chinese soft power and its influence. After this, he constructs variables to measure soft power. Then he compares his study with other powers in the region. His five sub-indices were: economy, capital, culture, politics, and diplomacy, its effectiveness, Chinese military power perceptions, the significance of their values and interactions and their relationship with the influence of China. His findings showed that in the context of Asia, the Chinese soft power appears to be weak (Holyk, 2011, p. 224). Moreover, the study by James Paradise focuses on how China is establishing its Confucius institutes at the regional and global levels. To promote their culture and language, the universities in China interact or come into contact with higher education institutions in other countries. They believe that their strategy could produce an honorable, respectable, and soft image of their country. Hence, Chinese soft power would begin to be assumed as a benign power. Though, at the same time, the effects of Trojan horses do exist. (Paradise, 2009). (2014) investigates China's influence in the Southeast Asian region. The findings of his study revealed that since China has huge interests and is invested in this part of the region, China's relationship with the Southeast Asian countries appears to be asymmetrical. The Southeast Asian countries, as compared to China, are smaller, less developed, and more dependent on China. Therefore, the author observes that China has the potential and capability to influence its neighbors. This could directly or indirectly be supportive or favorable to Beijing. Although China's influence is not necessarily a direct process. (Goh, 2014). Aboves discourses of different experts highlight how China is approaching other countries through its tools of soft power. However, Chinese engagement in different regions also showed a mixed response. Moreover, increasing anti-Americanism is also partly shaping Chinese soft image, because China has not engaged in conflicts in different parts of the world.

4.
Growing Anti-Americanism And Chinese Soft Power Several countries were friendly to America in Africa. But nowadays, they are resisting American policies, power, dictation, and influence. Countries like Libya, Sudan, and Zimbabwe have been frequently resisting and opposing American pressures. American policies including sanctions have produced a negative image of America in those African states. Even some other countries of South Africa-Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Mali, Namibia, and Niger, began to resist and challenge American coercion, dictation, and sanctions. American policies were defied and challenged. The South African leaders even rejected American investment, projects, and several initiatives (Whitaker, 2010(Whitaker, , p. 1110). As pointed out by Beth Elise Whitaker (2010), the resistance to American interests in Africa started when they waged a war on Iraq. America had developed a coalition to dethrone Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, but it received a great below from African states. Even Nelson Mandela criticized the severely American unilateral approach. However, the African Union initially posed a united front against the USA, but they were disunited after the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Some countries like Uganda, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Angola supported American www.irjei.com actions while some others, for instance, South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania, criticized and condemned American action. Even South African President Thabo Mbeki was a big critic of the American approach. He along with other countries wrote a letter to the American White House (ibid., p.1112). The test case of American usage of power in Africa provides enough evidence to show how states influence and affect the behavior of other countries. This is a traditional way of using coercive measures, threats, or sanctions. This is, in other words, called a hard power. On the other hand, a country that applies a soft power to attract or persuade other countries through peaceful ways and means so that it could willingly accept what country 'A' wants from country 'B'. It depends on how much a country has developed its image at regional and global levels. Nevertheless, the international image and prestige of a country are very important to achieve objectives. In this sense, China has adopted a top-down strategy through which it has enhanced its power and prestige through its public diplomacy. Chinese public diplomacy has broadened its scope and image at the global level (Team, February 27, 2016).
As compared to previous powers, the emergence of China is happening at a time when the world is faced with many challenges (Jin, 2013). In such a complex world, the political system is increasing at such a rapid scale. This has been possible due to globalization. Globalization provides an outlet to enhance interconnectivity around the globe. It constitutes the people, their exchanges, ideas, and information. (Scholte, 2005). China introduced its reforms under the able leadership of Deng Xiaoping in the 1970s. These reforms were aimed at developing China on par with other developed nations in the world. China has been successful in its endeavors and has eventually gained a significant position among the comity of the world powers (Nathan & Scobell, 2015). Therefore, it has attracted the attention of many countries including their people. They have been partly successful in attracting and persuading people or nations to learn their language. The estimates show that around one hundred million people are learning the Chinese language globally. These language institutes are normally located in universities, schools, think tanks, and colleges. In these language institutes, various courses related to China and Chinese culture and values are taught. A country needs to promote its soft power through engagement with other countries. This interaction could be with intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), multinational corporations (MNCs), and the public. Nevertheless, these institutions look at the use of force very negatively. (Hill & Beadle, 2014). The Chinese academic scholars, officials, and media believe that China has incorporated soft power into its external policy (Lampton, 2008). The crux of soft power, according to Nye, is to achieve its objectives through attraction and co-option. www.irjei.com made brief voyages across the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. In addition to this, he had also visited other countries to display the power, strength, and wealth of the Ming Dynasty. It was the 4 th longest dynasty ruled by the Han people. Moreover, the word "Chinese soft power" began to be used in their official parlance in Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai's (1953)(1954) golden principles of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. These ideals were visible in their public diplomacy and their interaction with the outside world. (Cheng, 2016, p. 236). These five principles comprised "mutual respect for territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's international affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence". In 1943, these principles were officially declared after Zhou Enlai met with a delegation from New Delhi. These ideals were later on practically incorporated and implemented through the trade agreement between China and India. These principles were also visible during the Afro-Asian gathering in 1955 at Bundang. (MOFA, 28.5.2014

1953-54
Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai introduced "The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence"

1990-2000s
Chinese officials and academics expressed (soft power) in their culture

Exploring The Roots of The Chinese Soft Power
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Compiled by the Author
As a follow-up, these principles were further extended to Africa and Asia. These measures were aimed at developing trust and enhancing the economic cooperation among several countries in Asia and Africa in mid of the 1960s. The Chinese Reforms and Opening Policy of the 1970s and 1980s toward its neighbors also include a good environment at an internal and external level so that they could trade peacefully. (ibid., MOFA, 2014) Moreover, the rise of China coupled with its rapid economic growth seems to be an established perception among Chinese scholars. Concerning their perceptions of the harmonious world, they reiterate their economic commitment and development in countries like Asia and Africa, encapsulating friendship, dialogue peace, stability, and harmony. The Confucius institutes symbolically reflect Chinese identity and cultural promotion. It gives a great boost and support to the cultural agenda of the Chinese leadership (Hu Jintao) (Albro, 2015). These institutes were found in 2004. It has five hundred facilities globally among 140 states. It means that such an increasing ratio has even excelled in the previous projections. (Zhe, June 2010). These institutes either have a partnership with universities or think tanks, colleges, and schools. However, these interactions have to be routed through Hanban (Chinese Headquarters). The purpose of these institutes is to teach the Chinese language. Different category of student is enrolled to learn the Chinese language. This type of partnership with other countries has enabled Beijing to proliferate the establishment of Chinese institutes. This type of partnership is understandably appealing and seems to like "global branding" (Starr, 2009). Therefore, China possesses the potential and capability to successfully transfer its soft power. This reflects their "remarkable rise" (Opcit., Albro, 2015, p.390). As compared to the previous leaders (Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao), President Xi Jinping took the helm of affairs at a time when China was more stable with the largest economy in Asia and the second-largest at the global level. With the ascendency of Xi Jinping in 2012, China incorporated the term "Chinese Dream". This term began to be discussed in terms of the Chinese peaceful rise and challenges at the domestic front (Sharp, 2013). Nevertheless, the great rejuvenation and domestic development remained the prominent features of Xi Jinping's policies. It would not be wrong to assume that Mao Zedong offered a launching pad for soft power, Hu Jintao transformed and extended to the outside world but implemented by President Xi Jinping. The approach of President Xi is different from his former leaders. His agenda has at least put his country in a stable position in which the Chinese characteristics (prosperity, harmony, development, and its rise) are beautifully juxtaposed. The Beijing Olympic Games held in the year 2008, were the biggest show on earth. This event led of huge importance to their culture. Similarly, the launching of the Confucius institutes was also aimed at broadening and softening the image of China. The promotion and learning of their language also indirectly enhance their soft power. President Hu Jintao expressed in 2017 that their culture is a source of their cohesion and creativity in their society besides developing their national strength (Speech, October 15, 2007). He further expressed that soft power entails the potential to ensure the fundamental rights and interests of the people. In line with the strategy, China is trying to internationalize movies, images, dramas, and Confucius institutes through its media outlets (Rabinovitch, 2008 However, scholars around the world still debate over the intention of China as a rising power. One thing is sure China doesn't claim global power, and neither is a threat to America. In this regard, experts like Shing Ding observes that Chinese soft power should not be a threat to other powers including America (Ding, 2010). As discussed, earlier by , that soft power is the ability of state A to get what it wants from state B through the means of attraction. It doesn't believe in coercion or payments (Joseph S. . One could infer from his definition that China is promoting its norms, values, and policies which offer benefits to other countries. Hence, the argument forwarded by Sheng Ding (2010) also informs that Beijing has preferred to keep itself at distance from engaging militarily and abide by the rules and regulations framed by international law. Institutionally, China is participating through WTO, Anti-Piracy, and Global Climate watchdogs. It is exchanging its views and sharing experiences and learning from other countries. China is not a threat to its neighbors but wanted to have a peaceful neighborhood. In this sense, regional integration, interaction, participation, and partnerships speak about the Chinese way of working. Scholars suggest that China intends to build its soft power through development. The Chinese rise and increasing influence are integrated into their development strategy (M. Li, 2008; X. Li & Worm, 2011). In addition to this, soft power is also considered a strategy of self-defense. The positive images and favorable perceptions could replace the notion of China threat theory. China wants the world to properly understand its domestic development and try to motivate people to accept them as a rising power. Paradise (2009) also pointed out that China is increasing its influence through its soft power (Paradise, 2009). To become a responsible stakeholder in international politics, China needs to produce a conducive and peaceful environment so that it could continue with its sustainable economic development at home and abroad. (Gil, 2008, p. 117;Kurlantzick, 2007, p. 37). Ding in his study reveals that the idea of attraction is deeply rooted in Chinese philology and culture, apart from what Nye coined. It further explains that there is a strong link between soft power and Harmonious World ideas displayed in the Chinese political philosophy (Ding, 1955, p. 196). Nevertheless, culture, language, arts, and ethnicity also constitute Chinese tools for soft power. Similarly, they have adopted certain tools in their conduct of business-like, like trade, aid, and promote their development model (Kurlantzick, 2007). The current global strategy of China is multidimensional. It is a key player in terms of trade and investment and assists several countries in the world, for instance, Vietnam, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia besides its engagement in the African continent. The Chinese soft power does not only focus on its culture and language but also respects the sovereignty, integrity, and dignity of other countries. Hence, China has developed trust and credibility in several construction projects in Africa. Africa could be a test case for China's soft power and its identity (Ding, 1955, p. 30). As noted by one of the studies China's soft power in Latin America, according to perceptions of people in Latin America, is sustainable development and advancement in technology. It offers many opportunities and it has the potential to become powerful at the global level. The proliferation of Chinese trade and investment around the world reflects its approach and policies of soft power (Ellis, 2011). The Polls were conducted in Africa and Latin America regarding China's soft power image. Polls showed that people appreciate China more than America. It was widely acknowledged that people in the world were more tilted towards Chinese charm, ideas, and models than Americans. The Chinese promotion of the development model, discourses related to peace, prosperity, harmony, and top-down approach to development and efforts at alleviating poverty in their country are some of the ideas which were widely appreciated in Polls Survey (Kurlantzick, 2007). These overall ideals and values of China are portrayed as the "Beijing Consensus". This term is well known and referred to Joshua Cooper. According to Cooper, "it aims at equality, peace, and growth, and he thinks that China doesn't have a uniform solution such as economic and political liberalization often propagated by the West-but has a "ruthless willingness to innovate and experiment" and "a lively defense of national borders and interests" (Ramo, 2004, p. 4 and 33;Suzuki, 2009, p. 782). Due to this attraction, the growth of the Chinese economy has been made possible. It is feared that the Chinese increasing soft power in the world will result in competition with America. In contrast to the Chinese soft power, many experts discuss how America has lost its soft power, status, and credibility in the eyes of the developing and underdeveloped world. Some of the studies have identified that increasing American nationalism, its expansionist agenda, defeat in the Vietnam war, Nine -Eleven incident, the economic recession of the 1970s, a war in Afghanistan, etc could be among the several factors in the declining impact of their soft power in the world (Wallerstein, 2003, pp. 26-27;. Still, some other scholars think that American soft power was at a peak during the year the 1990s and 2000. Further, they pointed out that cultural programs were no more encouraged, lack of active public diplomacy, a belligerent attitude towards trade and investment, its reluctance in ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, and the sudden USSR demise also raised several questions for the American soft power. (Kurlantzick, 2005, pp. 420-421). This American strategy saw the natural decline of their strong leadership, image, and influence in world politics. Contrary to the Chinese soft power, Joseph Nye had cautioned that: "anti-Americanism has increased in recent years, and the United States' soft power-its ability to attract others by the legitimacy of U.S. policies and the values that underlie them-is in decline as a result." The author further quoted the Gallup International polls survey which was taken from 29 countries said: "Washington's policies have harmed their view of the United States." The author also discusses the Eurobarometer polls on European perceptions for America. The study finds that "the majority of Europeans believe that Washington has hindered efforts to fight global poverty, protect the environment, and maintain peace. Such attitudes undercut soft power, reducing the ability of the United States to achieve its goals without resorting to coercion or payment. Its unpopular policies in the past and its sheer size and association with disruptive modernity make some resentment unavoidable today." (J. S. Nye, 2004, p. 16). What America achieved through its soft power was a system of alliances, development of institutions, etc. These institutes lasted around sixty years. They believe that they had won the Cold War by using soft and hard power. The irony is that to contain extremism, terrorism or militancy requires Washington to have the cooperation of other countries. This cooperation is possible when there is an attraction in power A country. Soft power is not about popularity, but it is an approach to get what you want from other states. If country A is unpopular in country B, it is unlikely that to get concessions or benefits or to achieve what you want. In this regard, the resistance of Chile, Mexico, and Turkey in March 2003 could be taken as the best example. When a country loses its image and credibility in the eyes of other www.irjei.com countries then it has less benefit or leverage to gain in international politics. And when U.S. policies lose their legitimacy in the eyes of others, distrust grows, reducing U.S. leverage in international affairs." (ibid., Nye, 2004: p.16). Notably, as compared to the US, China has taken many initiatives since 2011. President Xi Jinping took radical measures and introduced reforms and implemented the biggest ever projects in Chinese history. In this regard, the 17th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party's entire session focused on their culture and declared that they would build their country on the Chinese Socialist culture. As President said in 2104 that he wanted his country to enhance its soft power drive and communicate and build their strong narrative and communicate well to an outside world. His new projects, for instance, "the Chinese dream," "the Asia-Pacific dream," "the Silk Road Economic Belt," "the Twenty-First-Century Maritime Silk Road," "a new type of major-country relations," and many others. Hence, China attaches great importance to its initiatives and projects in the world (Shambaugh, 2015, p. 99). China has included many countries in its institutions. For example, in the New Development Bank, it is comprised of China-Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa. Whereas, in its other institutions like Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. In these institutions countries of other regions have been included. For instance, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and central and eastern Europe. The purpose of these institutions is to support Chinese efforts for promoting its soft power and a new architectural framework in the Post War Western Order. In this sense, Shambaugh noted in his study that "China has invested billions of dollars ($50 billion for the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, $41 billion for the New Development Bank, $40 billion for the Silk Road Economic Belt, and $25 billion for the Maritime Silk Road. Beijing has also pledged to invest $1.25 trillion worldwide by 2025. Together, these recent pledges by Beijing add up to $1.41 trillion; in contrast, the Marshall Plan cost the equivalent of $103 billion in today's dollars". (Shambaugh, 2015, p. 100). The US State Department Polls of 2003, as indicated in the study of Garrison, showed that "China had a favorable views in Japan, South Korea, and Australia (54 percent, 68 percent, and 67 percent, respectively), and majority beliefs among Japanese and South Koreans that China will be the most influential country in East Asia in the next 5 to 10 years". (Garrison, 2005, p. 28). In addition to this, Yong Nam Cho and Jong-Ho Jeong, while discussing PEW research conducted in 2005, said that majority states in Asia like Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Lebanon, Jordan, and India had a favorable view of China's rise and its growth. (Cho & Jeong, 2008). Some other scholars also show the BBC World Service Polls as an indicator that China's, positive images, its status, credibility, rise, and growth speak volumes about how China is going beyond its economics. (Huang & Ding, 2006). Whereas the Bush administration's policies have compromised its security and diplomatic assertiveness. It has created resentment, anger, and dissatisfaction among several countries in the world. Their unpopular policies have jeopardized their security, peace, prosperity, and stability in the region. Hence, American soft power has declined at a regional and global level. (Kohut & Stokes, 2006). As compared to America, China has actively, peacefully, and dynamically promoted its power resources. The overall credit goes to the Chinese leadership including President Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping for their deeper analysis and interest in the world. Their pragmatic and balanced approach has won hearts and minds and streamlined