The internationalisation of China's higher education: soft power with 'Chinese characteristics'. Issue 2 (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lo, Tin Yau Joe; Pan, Suyan
• Is Part Of: Comparative education. Number 57:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 246
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Internationalisation -- higher education -- soft power -- Chinese characteristics -- globalisation; 国际化 -- 高等教育 -- 软实力 -- 中国特色 -- 全球化; Education -- Periodicals; Comparative education -- Periodicals; 370.9
• DOI: 10.1080/03050068.2020.1812235
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-0068

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Recent research has focused either on the internationalisation of China's higher education (HE) as soft power, or on soft power with 'Chinese characteristics'. There is a paucity of research combining these two foci. This paper fills this gap by: (i) unravelling the meanings and features of the 'Chinese characteristics' embodied in the policies of President Xi Jinping's new regime that seeks to rejuvenate the 'civilisational state' through internationalising HE as soft power; (ii) analysing the implications and complications therein; and (iii) exploring the predicaments and paradoxes as China seeks to construct a Sino-centric world order alongside, if not atop, the Westphalian system. It demonstrates how the internationalisation of HE as soft power with 'Chinese characteristics': finds its legitimacy in a historico-cultural narrative; rides on the tide of the current global norms/practices; builds on national agenda/priorities; and is running into conflict with the West which is pursuing its own similar interests.