Gastrodiplomacy and soft power are becoming a pivotal pillar in international communication. Gastro-diplomacy involves nations using food as part of their effort to promote their culture, establish their image, globalize their food industries or sector, attract tourists from foreign countries and build relations with the foreign public. In a view of promoting public relation, China introduced the Chinese food festival at the UN headquarters to promote its cuisines (Okumus, Okumus, and Mckercher, 2007). Food culture plays a significant role in cultural exchange, and it is evident from researchers that Chinese food has become more popular in the UK and other states. The Chinese government uses this platform to promote its culture and deepen its relations with various countries.
China has made an enormous effort in diversifying its public diplomacy practices. Public diplomacy is realized through the launch of various state campaigns. Chinese dream campaign, use of nation branding advertising, engaging in culinary diplomacy, pop culture diplomacy, and faith diplomacy. These measures set by the China government unite the citizens' hence promoting interaction and cooperation.
China focuses on establishing soft power and building its international image (Wang, 2008). Promotion of Chinese culture and contribution to global governance are among the strategies Chinese government is using to establish its influence globally. China President Xi Jinping has over the years traveled to many states all over the world with a view of strengthening ties with other countries. Establishment of multilateral institutions like; Asian infrastructure investment bank and new development bank has enabled China to improve its international diplomacy and communication (Cho and Jeong, 2008). These initiatives are meant to project China's image as a responsible power and a country that actively indulges in global governance hence promoting its soft power influence across the globe. Creation of China- UN peace development fund and the commitment by China to eliminate carbon emissions by 2030 illustrate china's position of global governance (Tsang and Kolk, 2010).
It is evident that China has launched several measures that will help promote its image and reputation across the globe. If China succeeds in convincing the world of its motives and global governance, then it will have a positive impact on china's soft power initiative.
Bibliography
Cho, Y.N. and Jeong, J.H., 2008. China's soft power: Discussions, resources, and prospects. Asian Survey, 48(3), pp.453-472.
Okumus, B., Okumus, F. and McKercher, B., 2007. Incorporating of local and international cuisines in the marketing of tourism destinations: The cases of Hong Kong and Turkey. Tourism Management, 28(1), pp.253-261.
Tsang, S. and Kolk, A., 2010. The evolution of Chinese policies and governance structures on the environment, energy and climate. Environmental Policy and Governance, 20(3), pp.180-196.
Wang, Y., 2008. Public diplomacy and the rise of the Chinese soft power. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 616(1), pp.257-273.
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