Public diplomacy plays a pivotal role in the contemporary landscape of nation-states, serving as a fundamental element in expanding a country’s sphere of influence across borders.
For Taiwan-China relations, it is noteworthy to delve into their public diplomacy strategies in the international arena, particularly within the Indonesian context.
This discourse is further complicated by China’s assertion of sovereignty over Taiwan, juxtaposed with the nation’s self-declared status as an independent entity distinct from China.
Indonesians tend to align with the trajectory of their foreign policy, characterized by openness and engagement toward international affairs, wherein the claims of various actors in the global arena are perceived as matters of concern. Despite the Indonesian government’s adherence to the “one China” policy, Indonesians’ perceptions of these actors remain largely unaffected. Diverse viewpoints exist within the populace, with some asserting Taiwan’s distinctiveness while others maintain that it is an integral component of China.
The author contends that the interplay of the two’s public diplomacy strategies in Indonesia is integral to the situation. For instance, following the election of President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in 2016, Taiwan introduced the New Southbound Policy, aimed at fostering trade and investment collaborations with 18 nations in Southeast Asia, South Asia and Oceania. This policy was comprehensive, extending beyond trade and investment to encompass fields such as healthcare, tourism, cultural exchange, migration, education and technology. Consequently, Taiwanese public diplomacy entities, including educational institutions and humanitarian organizations, have increasingly initiated various programs in Indonesia.
Interpersonal interactions are poised to shape the prevailing perceptions of Indonesians regarding Taiwan as an autonomous entity distinct from China.
China appears intent on bolstering its public image, particularly concerning matters on Taiwan, so as not to be overshadowed. China, within the Indonesian context, undertakes public diplomacy initiatives aimed at fostering closer rapport with the Indonesian populace, notably through cultural engagements. One such endeavor is China’s collaboration with several Indonesian universities to establish the Confucius Institute, tasked with disseminating Chinese cultural elements in Indonesia. As a result, numerous Indonesian students have been allowed to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, exemplified by study programs at institutions like Guangxi Normal University in Guilin, China.
While acquainting themselves with Chinese culture, students gradually develop perceptions of China as a prominent nation with benevolent intentions in cultivating international relationships. These perceptions often lead students to see Taiwan as an integral entity closely linked to China.
These public diplomacy initiatives undertaken by Taiwan and China underscore the significant role that public diplomacy plays for these two actors in international relations, as they actively vie for acknowledgment and support from Indonesians.
Despite the efforts of both entities, Indonesians continue to have a spectrum of opinions and perspectives concerning China and Taiwan, ranging from favorable to unfavorable.
Nevertheless, the ongoing public diplomacy rivalry between these two actors in Indonesia remains compelling, with Taiwan striving for recognition as an independent entity and China seeking acknowledgment that the nation is an integral part of its territory.
M. Syaprin Zahidi is a senior lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang and is a doctoral student at Ghazali Shafie Graduate School of Government at the Universiti Utara Malaysia.
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