BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE PROJECT IN MYANMAR: CHINA PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

Abstract

China choses Myanmar in the implementation of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project because of its strategic position that could bridge China into Southeast Asia. However, China faces challenges in implementing BRI in China in form of public rejection and distrust. This study aims to analyse Chinese public diplomacy in overcoming that challenges. This research is qualitative research with internet-based literature study data collection. The concept of Chinese Public Diplomacy (that consist of: Confucius institute instrument, student exchanges, international broadcasting, development aid and business deals) is used in analysing this issue. This research find that efforts of Chinese Public Diplomacy in overcoming the rejection toward BRI project in Myanmar is through several ways: the introduction of Chinese culture in Myanmar Confucius Institute, student exchange, the Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) and the health, education and infrastructure assistance.