What's Happening?
Despite improving diplomatic relations between China and India, Beijing has struggled to win over the Indian public. Chinese researchers argue that this is due to a lack of long-term strategy and effective
communication channels. They suggest that China should adopt bottom-up strategies to resonate with the Indian populace and support its strategic interests in the Global South. The current approach, relying heavily on official channels, is seen as weak and lacking in planning, with insufficient cultivation of non-governmental opinion leaders.
Why It's Important?
The inability of China to effectively engage with the Indian public highlights the challenges in international diplomacy where public perception plays a crucial role. This situation underscores the importance of soft power and cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations. For China, improving its image in India is vital for its broader strategic goals in the Global South. The failure to do so could limit China's influence and hinder its diplomatic efforts in the region, affecting economic and political collaborations.
