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Remaking China’s Global Image with the Belt and Road Initiative: Is the Jury Out?

Author

Listed:
  • Jianhong Qi

    (School of Economics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China)

  • Kam Ki Tang

    (School of Economics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia)

  • Da Yin

    (School of Economics, Renmin University of China, Beijing,100872, China)

  • Yong Zhao

    (Institute of China’s Economic Reform and Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing,100872, China)

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate how foreign economic policy may affect a country’s global image or soft power. Our empirical work focuses on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), one of the most ambitious international economic policies in modern times, that covers more than 70 countries across the globe. We find evidence that international opinions on China are diverse but not polarized. We also find that the BRI has curried favor for China in the related countries. On average, the BRI increases net public approval rating of the Chinese leadership in these countries by more than 15 percentage points. Interestingly, the BRI arouses approving foreign opinions more than quietens disapproving voices. Finally, countries that have stronger trade, foreign direct investment or political ties with China do not necessarily respond to the BRI more favorably, while those contracting more infrastructure projects with Chinese firms do.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianhong Qi & Kam Ki Tang & Da Yin & Yong Zhao, 2020. "Remaking China’s Global Image with the Belt and Road Initiative: Is the Jury Out?," Discussion Papers Series 635, School of Economics, University of Queensland, Australia.
    • Handle: RePEc:qld:uq2004:635
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    File URL: https://economics.uq.edu.au/files/39716/635.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Global image; Public approval; Belt and Road Initiative; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F02 - International Economics - - General - - - International Economic Order and Integration
    • F42 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - International Policy Coordination and Transmission
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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