China's Soft Power in Central Asia: Approaches, Instruments and Goals

Central Asia is one of the regions with which China has traditionally and for a long period of time had close ties. One aspect of China’s ties and relations with Central Asian countries which has taken into consideration through the last decade is cultural relations and in particular, China’s attempts to develop its soft power instruments in the region; a trend which has reflected in various issues. “Soft Power” is a term which has raised and studied in the last two decades as a new concept and China is no exception in considering this type of power. By focusing on this aspect of China’s relations with Central Asian countries, this article tries to analyze that what is the China’s goal in attempting to develop its soft power instruments in the region and how and by which means China exerts its soft power in the region? After analyzing data and evidences, this article argues that China has considered developing its soft power and strengthening its cultural relations with Central Asian countries as a predisposing factor to expand its multi-faceted influence in the region, ultimately aims at increasing its power in the international arena.