The Main Features of the Chinese Soft Power and its Realization in Brazil (2008-2015)

Today we live in the world, dominated by liberal ideology. Every state that wants to be influential has to pay attention to its soft power, and China is no exception. The government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) pays big attention to the public image of China on the international arena. Undeniably, Chinese foreign policy focuses on such regions as Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The most of the scholars analyze the PRC’s strategy and intentions, and try to forecast the next steps of Beijing in these regions. However, many researchers undeservedly ignore Chinese soft power implementation in Latin America. Today this region can be of the utmost interest for many strong players in the world. Today such states as Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and other are on the verge of significant changes. Ordinary people are out of conceit with socialist governments, and change of a government can lead not only to change of development thrust but also to change of influence area. And China is prepared to that. Latin America, that was looked upon as the US’s “rear area”, became the strategic region for China. Brazil is the main partner of China in Latin American continent. The relationships between these two states determine the atmosphere of development in all region. Beijing tries to strengthen ties with other countries in South America, but economic, cultural and political relationships with Brazil are the best example of Chinese soft power implementation in South America. Chinese foreign policy in Brazil is policy of soft power. Confucius Institutes, Chinese mass media and programs, cross-cultural exchanges – everything is aimed to the strengthening of economic ties between two states, increasing of trade turnover and getting of favorable conditions for Chinese companies. China wants to confront America in Latin American region, but only in the economic sphere.