China’s Cultural Diplomacy in South Asia

Abstract

This paper examines China’s cultural diplomacy in South Asia with a particular focus on Nepal. Drawing on soft power theory and the broader framework of cultural diplomacy, this study examines the rationale, strategies, and key initiatives of China’s cultural engagement. Through a qualitative analysis, the paper maps the key instruments of China’s cultural diplomacy in Nepal, including language promotion, educational exchanges, Confucius Institutes, youth programs, sister city relationships, and tourism. The study finds that China’s cultural presence in Nepal reflects a long-term strategy aimed at cultivating a benign and cooperative image in the South Asian region. While acknowledging the inherently political nature of cultural diplomacy, the paper argues that China’s cultural engagement in Nepal is associated with its broader vision of regional stability through harmony, cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.