Friday, November 15, 2024

China and Iran are promoting public diplomacy, but will Beijing’s soft power strategy work in the Islamic Republic?

Must read


“Everything is going well, everyone. [Iranian] People care about each other and talk about politics. It’s like China 20 to 30 years ago,” Liang said.

People are seen in the old bazaar in Shaare Ray city, south of Tehran, on January 8. Photo: AFP
The Chinese man added that he felt like people back home no longer cared about him. politics They were discouraged from doing so because it was too far removed from their lives.

Liang, a 27-year-old consultant from Shanghai, chose Iran as her first destination after COVID-19 restrictions were eased and is the first Chinese to visit the country since Tehran waived visa requirements in 2019. The number of tourists has increased.

of visa policy This is part of efforts by Beijing and the Iranian government to promote culture, tourism, education and people-to-people exchanges so that, in the words of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, people can “get to know each other firsthand.” .

China and Iran sign police pledge during Iranian police chief’s visit to Beijing

This comes as both countries face an increasingly hostile international environment and hostility from the West.

However, some skeptics have questioned the influence of China’s public diplomacy in Iran, with Beijing saying: Public relations activities It pales in comparison to economic power.
Observers also say the Chinese government may be relying too much on official channels for its policies. gentle power This could alienate some Iranians who are suspicious of the government’s efforts.

Growing relations between China and Iran

The Chinese government’s public diploma initiative in Iran dates back to 2016, when President Xi Jinping called for stronger exchanges in the fields of culture, education, journalism, publishing, and tourism before his state visit to Iran.

Raisi expressed the same opinion seven years later. Before visiting China in early 2023, he said that China and Iran will promote people-to-people exchanges and that the people of both countries will “get to know each other directly in a new era” instead of “getting to know each other through three years”. I wrote that it should be possible to do so. party”.

Since the two leaders met last year, the two countries have held at least 10 high-level talks focused on such exchanges, according to data collected by the newspaper.

In October, Lu Yingchuan, vice minister of China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, signed a five-year implementation plan for cultural and educational exchanges in Iran.

A carpet shop in the old city of Yazd, Iran.Photo: Eva Liang

Huang Honda, a professor at the School of Middle East Studies at Shanghai University of International Studies, said efforts to strengthen public diplomacy between China and Iran have bridged the gap in the two countries’ fast-growing economic and diplomatic relations.

“China and Iran are both facing many development difficulties, and their mutual needs are very strong.However, in actual cooperation, there is a notable feature that there is much government cooperation and not enough private exchanges. ” he said.

Beijing and Tehran are now closer than ever. Despite US sanctions, China’s oil imports from Iran increased by 48% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year, making Iran the third-largest oil supplier after Saudi Arabia and Angola.

Escape from economic isolation

The Iranian government sees closer economic ties with China as a way out of the international isolation it faces. Last year, China helped broker a peace agreement between the two countries. Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Iran became a member of the Beijing-led security bloc Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in July and will officially join BRICS this year.

Fan added that a lack of people-to-people interaction will limit the effectiveness of government cooperation. “Therefore, both countries hope to expand civil exchanges in the fields of culture and education,” he said.

China and Iran promise cooperation ahead of BRICS summit

Alex Vatanka, founding director of the Iran Program at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, said both China and Iran are keen to increase their presence in each other’s societies, but for different reasons.

He said that for China, a greater presence in Iran is part of Beijing’s ambitions and strategy to play a larger role in the Middle East.

As for Iran, due to its deteriorating image in the West, Tehran needs to attract Chinese help, especially in the tourism sector, Batanka said.

03:12

Iranian girl in critical condition after allegedly having contact with morality police

Iranian girl in critical condition after allegedly having contact with morality police

Both countries appear to be making progress toward their goals. According to Ali Asghar Sharbafian, deputy minister of Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, about 50,000 Chinese tourists visited Iran in the first seven months of 2023, compared to 1,400 in the same period in 2019. A small number of people visited Iran.

An Iranian travel agent employee, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, told the Post: chinese tourists Compared to Western countries, the number rose sharply last year.

The official added that even though the coronavirus pandemic has ended, most of the foreign tourists currently visiting Iran are Chinese, as the number of tourists from other countries has not yet recovered. Ta.

Academic ties between China and Iran

China’s efforts to transform from an economic partner to a powerful player in all aspects of Iran are also bearing fruit, especially in the academic and educational fields.

Nika, an Iranian master’s student studying in Zhengzhou in central China, said there are about 1,000 Iranian students in the city. Before the pandemic, that number was only about 50.

Nika said Iranian students believe that “Chinese universities are pretty good” and that tuition fees are not too expensive. He added that of the 1,000 Iranian students in China, “only a few dozen” received scholarships, most of them privately funded.

Chinese learning boom as China expands soft power in Middle East

Nika, who will begin studying for a doctoral program in Shanghai in September, said, “When many people found out that I was studying abroad in China, they supported me and made me want to study abroad in China.” . She added that most of her friends and family think that “China is a very developed country.”

Saideh Zarin, a doctoral student studying Chinese history in Shanghai, said that while most Iranian students in China focus on Chinese, more and more students are choosing science fields such as medicine. He said that

A woman walks through Share Ray Bazaar. Photo: AFP

Zarin studied Chinese as an undergraduate at Isfahan University. This university is one of only two universities in Iran that offer Chinese as a major while enrolled, the other being Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran. Since then, his two other universities in Iran started offering Chinese as a major.

The Chinese learning boom is not limited to domestic universities. In Iran, Chinese is scheduled to be introduced as an optional language in secondary schools from 2024.

During Raisi’s visit to Beijing in early 2023, the two countries agreed to strengthen Chinese and Persian language education in each other’s countries. China also agreed to provide international scholarships to Iranian Chinese language teachers.

Different views of China in Iran

However, analysts said the exchange did not necessarily succeed in the Chinese and Iranian governments’ goal of projecting a positive image to the public in each country.

John Calabrese, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Middle East Institute and an associate professor at American University, said Iranians’ views of China are “very different” and tend to be influenced by their position on the Iranian government. .

“Some may see China’s development model as a source of imitation and believe that stronger economic ties with China and other Asian countries are highly desirable,” he said.

‘Truth’: China aims to build soft power through cultural counterattack

“No doubt some are wary of China, concerned that the economic relationship is already, or is likely to become, unbalanced. Some people are probably disappointed by the slow implementation.

“Similarly, I would like to point out that there are diverse opinions within Iran regarding China’s political system.”

Zarin, a doctoral student in Shanghai, said most ordinary Iranians have a “very vague impression of China”, with some harboring negative ideas spread by foreign media. said.

03:21

The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded to Iranian women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi

The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded to Iranian women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi

” [Iranian] People are influenced by international news. It’s not China’s fault, but some Iranians are dissatisfied with their government, so no matter which government has good relations with Tehran. [they] “Of course you hate the country,” she said.

But Vatanka said China’s efforts to counter other rhetoric in Iran have been ineffective.

“I don’t see China playing a big role in public diplomacy. It’s not clear in the Iranian media. If you look on the internet, there isn’t much mention of China’s independent efforts in public diplomacy.

“So even if it was done, it was done quietly, which means it’s not very effective.”

Iran launches satellite as part of plan criticized by West

Despite government restrictions, Iranians have easy access to international Persian-language media based in London and Washington, including BBC Persian, Batanka said.

“They are [the Western media] It is the most popular program watched by ordinary Iranians. Ordinary Iranians don’t watch Chinese programs. “This is something that China can work hard to resolve,” he said.

Friction between the people and the government

Fan, a native of Shanghai, said directing exchanges through officially sanctioned channels is another hurdle in China’s overhaul of its image in Iran.

“In some countries, the relationship between the government and the people is not good, and in such cases the people tend to distrust government-led actions,” he said.

“This phenomenon also exists in Iran, so it is difficult to rely solely on government-to-government or government-led communication to achieve mutual recognition among the people.”

Alireza Khoshrou, a senior researcher at the Islamic Cultural Affairs Organization of Iran, agreed, saying that until both countries prioritize public diplomacy based on “scientific principles,” the current approach will remain “propaganda-like.” He added that it would be.

Iranian citizens in Tehran hand out posters ahead of the fourth anniversary of the death of Qasem Soleimani, the late commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force. Photo: EPA-EFE

“Iran lacks the necessary infrastructure to fully understand China, especially in the scientific field of public diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges. It will take at least a decade for Iran to develop this understanding. Let’s go.”

According to Vatanka, China and Iran need to strengthen the basis of their cooperation, as their shared anti-American and anti-Western sentiments are currently the main driving force.

“There are inherent limits to how close these entities can move together.” He said the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Communist Party of China are completely different entities, adding that “anti-Americanism and anti-Western ” he added. [sentiment] This is a very important element in connecting China and Iran. ”

“This alone will not be enough to maintain close ties in the long term. We need to deepen our ties further.” “And we can only deepen that further by appealing to the Iranian people as well.”



Source link

More articles

25 COMMENTS

  1. Do you desire to give your roof a rejuvenation? Shingle Magic Roof Sealer is your solution. This
    innovative product offers a unique degree of care for your asphalt shingles, making sure they remain durable.

    Utilizing Shingle Magic Roof Sealer, you’re not just applying any ordinary product.
    You’re selecting a high-end roof rejuvenation solution formulated to dramatically extend the life of your roof for decades.
    It’s a smart choice for those aiming to preserve
    their investment.

    Why choose Shingle Magic Roof Sealer? To begin with, its exclusive formula penetrates the asphalt shingles, reviving
    their initial strength and aesthetic. Furthermore,
    the sealer is incredibly easy to apply, demanding no time for optimal results.

    Not only does Shingle Magic Roof Sealer extend the life of your roof, it also
    delivers outstanding resistance to weather elements.
    From intense UV rays, rainstorms, or winter conditions, it will be well-protected.

    Moreover, selecting Shingle Magic Roof Sealer means you’re choosing an eco-friendly option. Its safe composition ensures little environmental impact,
    making it a responsible choice for the planet.

    To sum up, Shingle Magic Roof Sealer stands out as the ultimate roof rejuvenation solution. Its ability
    to increase the life of your roof and delivering superior protection and a environmentally friendly option makes Shingle Magic as
    the smart choice for homeowners seeking to invest in their
    property’s future.

    Additionally, one of the key benefits of Shingle
    Magic Roof Sealer is its cost-effectiveness. Rather than pouring a fortune on frequent repairs or a full roof
    replacement, choosing Shingle Magic helps save you expenses in the long run. It’s a
    financially savvy choice that offers top-notch results.

    Furthermore, the simplicity of its application of Shingle Magic
    Roof Sealer is noteworthy. It doesn’t require professional expertise to apply it.
    For those who like to handle things themselves or opt for professional
    installation, Shingle Magic guarantees a straightforward process with remarkable results.

    Its durability is yet another significant reason to choose it.

    When applied, it develops a shield that maintains the integrity of your shingles for a long
    time. This means less worry about weather damage and greater peace of mind about the state of
    your roof.

    Regarding aesthetic appeal, Shingle Magic Roof Sealer is also superior.
    It not only protects your roof but also enhances its aesthetic.

    Shingles will seem more vibrant, which adds curb appeal and worth to your property.

    Satisfaction with Shingle Magic Roof Sealer is additional proof to its quality.
    Countless homeowners have seen notable improvements in their roof’s health after using the product.
    Testimonials underscore its ease of use, longevity, and
    excellent protective qualities.

    To wrap it up, choosing Shingle Magic Roof Sealer is selecting a
    reliable solution for roof rejuvenation. With its blend
    of durability, aesthetic enhancement, affordability, and user-friendliness renders it the perfect choice for those looking to enhance the life and look of their roof.
    Don’t wait to give your roof the care it deserves with Shingle Magic
    Roof Sealer.

  2. Do you want to give your roof a new lease on life?
    Shingle Magic Roof Sealer is the answer. The exceptional
    product delivers a unique level of protection for your asphalt shingles,
    guaranteeing they stay in top condition.

    With Shingle Magic Roof Sealer, you’re not just choosing any ordinary product.
    You’re opting for a top-quality roof rejuvenation solution formulated to dramatically extend the life of
    your roof for many years to come. This is a wise decision for
    property owners looking to protect their investment.

    Why choose Shingle Magic Roof Sealer? For starters, its unique
    formula seeps into the asphalt shingles, reviving their original strength and appearance.
    Moreover, it is remarkably easy to apply, needing no work for top results.

    Besides Shingle Magic Roof Sealer extend the life of your roof, but it also delivers superior resistance to the elements.

    Be it blistering sun, heavy rain, or snow and ice, the roof will be safeguarded.

    Additionally, opting for Shingle Magic Roof Sealer means you’re selecting an environmentally friendly option. Its non-toxic makeup means minimal environmental impact, making it a thoughtful choice
    for your home.

    Finally, Shingle Magic Roof Sealer stands out as the ultimate roof rejuvenation solution. It not only can prolong the life of your roof but also providing exceptional protection and an environmentally friendly option makes it as the smart choice for homeowners seeking to care
    for their property’s future.

    Furthermore, an important feature of Shingle Magic Roof Sealer is its affordability.

    Instead of investing heaps of money on regular repairs
    or a full roof replacement, applying Shingle Magic
    helps save you costs in the long run. It’s a financially savvy choice that provides premium
    results.

    Additionally, the user-friendly nature of Shingle
    Magic Roof Sealer stands out. You don’t need specialized knowledge
    to apply it. For those who like to handle things themselves or opt
    for expert application, Shingle Magic ensures a straightforward process with outstanding results.

    Shingle Magic’s lasting power is yet another compelling
    reason to choose it. Once applied, it creates a shield that keeps the integrity of your shingles for a long time.
    That means fewer concerns about weather damage and a more secure
    feeling about the condition of your roof.

    In terms of visual appeal, Shingle Magic Roof Sealer also excels.
    It not only protects your roof but also enhances its look.
    The shingles will appear more vibrant, which adds curb appeal and value to your property.

    Client satisfaction with Shingle Magic Roof Sealer is
    additional proof to its efficacy. Numerous customers have reported remarkable improvements in their roof’s condition after using the product.
    Reviews emphasize its ease of use, lasting effects, and excellent defensive capabilities.

    To wrap it up, opting for Shingle Magic Roof Sealer is opting for a trusted solution for roof rejuvenation. With its blend of sturdiness, visual appeal,
    economic efficiency, and ease of application makes it the optimal choice for those looking to
    enhance the life and beauty of their roof. Don’t wait to revitalize your roof with Shingle Magic Roof Sealer.

  3. What’s up, this weekend is good designed for me, for
    the reason that this point in time i am reading this great educational paragraph here at my
    residence.

  4. I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of house
    . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website.

    Reading this info So i’m happy to exhibit that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I
    came upon just what I needed. I such a lot without a
    doubt will make certain to do not forget this web site and provides it a glance on a relentless basis.

  5. I do not even understand how I stopped up right here, but I assumed this
    post was once great. I do not understand who you’re however definitely you’re
    going to a well-known blogger for those who are not already.
    Cheers!

  6. اثر مکمل گیری منیزیم بر شاخص های الکترومیوگرافی خستگی عضلانی در پی یک وهله
    فعالیت بدنی شدید بی هوازی

    درپوش سیلیکونی EEG نیز موقعیت یابی دقیقی را فراهم می کند که امکان اندازه گیری
    دقیق EEG را فراهم می کند.
    این سطح از دقت تضمین می کند که همیشه مطمئن ترین نتایج
    را دریافت خواهید کرد. اکسیژن ساز خانگی برای مصرف
    دارو های استنشاقی بهتر است به نبولایزر
    مجهز باشد. به طور مثال ، مدت زمان پر کردن کپسول اکسیژن
    از جمله این مشکلات می باشد . چون
    ممکن است مثلاٌ در نیمه شب مقدار اکسیژن کپسول به اتمام برسد و بیمار
    در آن لحظه نیاز به اکسیژن داشته باشد .

    در اثر انتقال سیگنال های عصبی به عضله تارهای عضلانی فعال میشوند و ایجاد پتانسیل عملی مینمایند.
    بسیاری از افراد در برخی مواقع احساسی مثل «سوزن سوزن شدن پا»
    را تجربه می کنند. علاوه بر این شما ممکن است همراه با گزگز، دچار درد یا بی حسی در پاها
    شوید. شکل ۲-۴- الکترود های فوم پد
    یک بار مصرف ، اغلب با دستگاههای مونیتورینگ استفاده می شوند .

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest article