The main directions of China's foreign policy in Southeast Asia: the use of “soft power” tools

This article examines the main directions of China’s foreign policy in Southeast Asia, as well as the mechanisms of its use of “soft power” tools to spread positive ideas abroad about its national culture; to achieve economic agreements aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of Chinese business structures operating in the countries of the region, as well as to promote unified development programs “One Belt - One Road”. A significant role in ensuring Beijing’s national interests in the Southeast Asian region is played by Chinese diasporas, whose representatives are called Huaqiao and in every way contribute to the implementation of the PRC’s policy of “soft power” in relation to their states of residence: they support the creation of Confucius institutes and their development, organize cultural events with national Chinese specifics, etc. It is concluded that thanks to the use of “soft power” tools on the territory of Southeast Asian countries, a socio-political environment is being created in them, generally favorable for achieving Beijing’s interests in the region.