This lesson we’re going to start looking at China in terms of its ’soft power’, specifically economy and international standing. As we’ll see over the next couple of lessons, China is able to exert power over the Asia-Pacific region (and beyond) in terms of economic, diplomatic and political power, as well as ‘hard’ military power.

Those of you who are interested can find a lecture on the subject of China and ’soft power’ here:

http://www.asiasociety.org/resources/china_soft_power_032008.html

China’s international standing has taken a battering lately. Here is an article discussing some reasons why this is the case:

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/02/22/1140563858394.html

Here is a Wikipedia article on the history of Chinese Foreign Relations:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_foreign_relations_of_the_People%27s_Republic_of_China

QUESTIONS: (You will need Scott and Simpson to answer some of these)

1. What evidence is there that China is pursuing economic development?

2. How will this impact on how China will resolve the divided China issue?

3. How has Beijing tried to improve its international reputation?

4. Why has its reputation been damaged recently?

4. Look at this article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/jul/15/olympicgames2008.sport

Do you think China intended to use the Olympics as an impetus to improve human rights conditions? Explain.

5. How will attempts to improve its reputation impact on how China will resolve the divided China issue?