CC BY
3PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF CULTURAL DIPLOMACY CHINA, JAPAN
AND SOUTH KOREA
ISSAYEVA AYAZHAN BAIZHANKYZY address: city Almaty, Duman-2 str 14, 13
KURMANGALI AIMEN KUANYSHBAYKYZY Scientific advisor Doctor of political science, Associate Professor Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University Almaty, Kazakhstan
Annotation: This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current challenges facing cultural diplomacy in China, Japan, and South Korea, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play in East Asian international relations. By examining the prospects for enhancing cultural diplomacy efforts in these countries, the article offers valuable insights into potential strategies for fostering greater regional understanding and cooperation. Furthermore, the article explores the role of emerging technologies and digital platforms in shaping cultural diplomacy efforts, offering insights into how countries in the region can leverage these tools to enhance their soft power and influence on the global stage. By addressing the interconnected nature of cultural diplomacy challenges and opportunities in China, Japan, and South Korea, the article underscores the importance of collaborative and innovative approaches to promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among East Asian nations.
Overall, this article offers a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted nature of cultural diplomacy in East Asia, highlighting the complexities and nuances involved in fostering positive relations among China, Japan, and South Korea, while also providing valuable insights for policymakers seeking to navigate these challenges effectively.
Key words: soft power, cultural diplomacy, East Asian relations, cultural development, globalization.
Today, China is Asia's largest economy, Japan is in second place, and South Korea is in fourth. Together, they account for a quarter of global economic output. China, South Korea, and Japan remain competitive due to the development of advanced technologies and intensive investments in innovative sectors of the economy, as well as their human resources. East Asia not only creates economic trends but also becomes a source of new models of globalization and even new trends in cultural development. At the same time, the leading Asian economy, China, is not confined to the regional framework and is gaining stronger positions in the international arena by participating in such large-scale projects of the XXI century [1]. At the same time, East Asia also has its special security dynamic. First, the most serious threat to collective security is the North Korean nuclear factor. Secondly, intensive socio-cultural exchanges and economic interaction have significantly brought China, South Korea, and Japan closer together. Nevertheless, questions of national history, fueled by traumatic memories of wars and ideological conflicts of the twentieth century, exacerbated some distrust [2].
Building a solid international state policy and cultivating local culture and identity outside the country seem to be controversial goals of cultural diplomacy. We see the main goal of both domestic and foreign cultural policy as the preservation of national and cultural identity, and this is possible only if one preserves one's culture and its most important elements - the national language and value system. A successful foreign cultural policy of the state is possible only if it has a strong internal cultural policy [3]. Moreover, the effectiveness of foreign cultural policy is not always measured by its scale and the amount of money spent. In this case, a more comprehensive assessment is needed. A positive or negative result of foreign cultural policy can only manifest itself in the long term.
China, Japan, and South Korea, the three largest States in East Asia, adopt the concept of "cultural diplomacy" when appropriate within their narratives. The lack of a clear distinction between "hard" and "soft" power in Chinese rhetoric is unusual: experts often refer to both forces as a "nationwide force", which in itself is compatible with the harmonious growth of comprehensive federal power in the district. Japanese experts, unlike Chinese researchers, are looking for the origins of "soft power" in the historical past. At the same time, China and Japan are aware of the growing importance of Korea.
At the present stage, during wars, the opportunities to use direct financial and military power have decreased, and such types of weapons as the media and appearance have begun to play an active role [4]. Seoul has long been trapped in a neighborhood in which Beijing and Tokyo are at war. In this regard, Korea is trying to create a complete "military superiority" capable of defending its claims. We look at the factors that influenced the issues of ensuring the national security of Korea in the 20th century. Korea was annexed by Japan. After the end of the Korean War, South Korea worked to strengthen its armed "force" to resist North Korean aggression and financial strength to expand its production potential [5]. Nevertheless, the country is now adequately expanding its "people's diplomacy".
Japanese, Korean, and Chinese experts may consider culture as a resource for projecting power. While China gives priority to cultural and historical heritage (ideology, poetry, morality, art, and culture of weapons), at the same time not give priority to mass culture. Korea and Japan are two countries that attract the rest of the world in terms of mass culture - this is the "Korean Wave" and "Cool Japan" [6]. Culture may not be the key reason for global influence; it is indeed part of cultural policy activities. The main components of cultural diplomacy are cultural diplomacy, aid diplomacy, media diplomacy, and cyber diplomacy. In all three countries, the structure, which includes elements of cultural diplomacy, is the same. It includes federal entities (agencies for global affairs, arts, and education), in particular established organizations and foundations, as well as non-governmental components [7].
China's delay in marketing its cultural artifacts is due to the need to focus on key financial goals, but the current government has nevertheless now decided to use policies aimed at more actively improving the country's image abroad. At about the same time, modern society, in terms of cultural diplomacy in Japan and South Korea, although it differs in its way, expands the boundaries of its use as an instrument of influence on international relations. As a result, although culture is seen as the main source of "soft power", it is not always effective, especially if there are serious political or socioeconomic tensions. Moreover, cultural tactics are too long-lasting to foresee the immediate consequences of culture's impact on the political sphere. At the same time, it is expected that international youth, accustomed to the cultures of Japan and South Korea, will be more devoted to these countries and that the ideological activities of the Confucian Foundation will guarantee the devotion of the Chinese version of the traditional database in China [8].
In principle, however, in publications devoted to the study of "soft power" in Japan and South Korea, assistance and assessment of the economic management of countries are crucial in terms of conceptual and tactical understanding of this phrase. In this situation, the government hopes to create a kind of link between the "hard" and "soft" forces [9]. South Korea is considered by the world community as a "regional hegemon", and it is not going to compete with the "big powers" - China and Japan - at the level of "projecting power" in the model of a military and economic race. In addition, Japan and China have much more favorable cooperation with South Korea, and to a lesser extent, with each other. This makes South Korea an average force for both countries and challenges a possible regional influx. Since such a state system and morality are more similar to Japanese than Chinese, there is a discussion in South Korean academic circles about what the country needs in the Northeast Asian region.
South Korea is currently practicing "commitment diplomacy," in which "cultural policy" is seen as a strategic tool. It is obvious that the goal of "sustainable development diplomacy" is to increase the global and regional prominence of the country, while at the same time providing it with natural
resources. As an example, the South Korean phenomenon of K-pop can be cited as a factor of "cultural diplomacy" The actions of the two countries in providing social services and holding conferences are usually included in the descriptive analysis of their "global influence" policies. This practice is used by Asian scientists to determine the results concerning the potential of an ethical body, the position of the government, and the "goal" pursued [10].
In general, all the countries under consideration are aware of the need to continue developing the tactics of cultural diplomacy necessary for proper regional and international competitiveness. Due to the "Korean wave", the number of Korean language learners has increased dramatically. Experts suggest that people who are interested in Korean cultural products, especially drama series, prefer to listen to them in their native language, especially given the difficulty of interpreting modern Korean pop culture into other languages, where interpretation is sometimes exaggerated. Although Japan's cultural exports are well received abroad, it is difficult to say with certainty that they attract tourists to the country. South Korean scientists can imagine how difficult it is to analyze the influence of culture on soft power [11].
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the problems and prospects of cultural diplomacy in China, Japan, and South Korea. It has gained insights into the complexities of diplomatic engagement in East Asia by analyzing historical tensions, cultural differences, geopolitical factors, and emerging technologies. Despite the challenges posed by domestic politics and external pressures, there are opportunities for enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation among these nations. By adopting collaborative and innovative approaches, leveraging digital platforms, and addressing underlying issues, such as historical grievances, East Asian countries can work towards building stronger and more effective cultural diplomacy strategies. Ultimately, fostering positive relations among China, Japan, and South Korea is crucial not only for regional stability and prosperity but also for promoting peace and understanding on the global stage.
Furthermore, this article has highlighted the interconnected nature of cultural diplomacy challenges and opportunities in East Asia, emphasizing the need for nuanced and multifaceted approaches to diplomatic engagement. By recognizing the significance of historical legacies, cultural nuances, and technological advancements, policymakers can develop more effective strategies for promoting mutual trust and cooperation among China, Japan, and South Korea. Moreover, by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges, these nations can build bridges and overcome longstanding divides, contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region. To sum up, while the road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, the potential for positive change and constructive engagement in East Asia remains within reach, offering hope for a brighter tomorrow characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.
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