China’s Soft Power in Global Policy: Vectors and the Azerbaijani Case

The article analyzes the trajectories of China's soft power in global foreign policy with an emphasis on Azerbaijan. Based on a qualitative review of official documents, academic publications, and open materials, key tools of China's cultural and public diplomacy are examined, including language and cultural promotion, media platforms, educational and humanitarian programs, as well as infrastructure and transport connectivity. It is shown that China's soft power in Azerbaijan is based on the activities of Confucius Institutes, the growth of academic exchanges and student mobility, the expansion of media presence, cooperation between scientific and management institutions, as well as the coupling of cultural initiatives with economic and logistical projects. There is a deepening of bilateral ties and an increase in tourist reciprocity against the background of visa liberalization. The analytical part reveals the limitations of the effectiveness of soft power in countries with developed civil societies and stable democratic norms, where caution remains towards China's political practices. It is concluded that soft power has ceased to be an auxiliary element and has become an important component of China's foreign policy, and further expansion of its impact requires more fine-tuning of communication and consideration of the value diversity of partners. The practical implications for Azerbaijani-Chinese cooperation in the fields of culture, education and humanitarian exchanges are discussed.