Building Blocks and Themes in Chinese Soft Power toward Africa

Abstract

Literature indicates that China is intent on using soft power as a means of structuring its rapidly growing links with Africa. This chapter seeks to find out the performance of Chinese soft power in Africa. Commencing with a summarized comparison of the “conventional” definition and Chinese redefinition of soft power, the chapter proceeds to innovate the idea of building blocks and themes as a means of studying soft power. Drawing on Chinese soft power sources, the chapter applies the innovative ideas for the study of Chinese soft power in selected African media.