BEYOND RHETORIC: CHINA'S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN KENYA THROUGH A POLITICAL-ECONOMIC LENS (2013-2020)

Yıl 2024, Cilt: 22 Sayı: 54, 2552 - 2576, 15.10.2024

Esra Sarıoğlu , Cengiz Mert Bulut

https://doi.org/10.35408/comuybd.1528811

Öz

This article explores the evolution of China-Kenya relations within the context of China's broader public diplomacy strategy, focusing particularly on the period from 2013 to 2020. The foundation for these bilateral relations was laid as China opened up to developing countries and African nations gained independence. While formal diplomatic relations between China and Kenya were established in 1963, it was during the 2000s that these relations diversified significantly under the leadership of Chinese President Hu Jintao and Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki. This diversification spanned commercial, cultural, and political domains, becoming a notable example of public diplomacy.
With the ascension of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China's public diplomacy experienced a strategic shift towards a more assertive and politically oriented approach. This study argues that under Xi Jinping, new initiatives and strategic plans were introduced, enhancing the existing framework of China's public diplomacy. A key element of this transformation was the increased emphasis on foreign aid, which gained momentum through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Between 2013 and 2020, China's foreign aid to Kenya played a pivotal role in reshaping the structure of Chinese public diplomacy. This period saw a continuation and expansion of activities in culture and media, established in earlier phases, alongside a growing focus on infrastructure development, humanitarian aid, healthcare assistance, and educational and cultural projects.
The study begins by examining traditional public diplomacy tools such as cultural exchanges, high-level visits, and educational initiatives. It then discusses specific projects implemented between 2013 and 2020, analyzing their contributions to public diplomacy efforts. Finally, the article provides an overview of these projects, as documented in AidData, highlighting their impact on the bilateral relations between China and Kenya.

Anahtar Kelimeler

China, Kenya, Public Diplomacy, Foreign Aid, AidData

RETORİĞİN ÖTESİNDE: SİYASİ-EKONOMİK MERCEKTEN ÇİN'İN KENYA'DAKİ KAMU DİPLOMASİSİ (2013-2020)

Öz

Bu makale, Çin-Kenya ilişkilerinin gelişimini Çin'in daha geniş kamu diplomasisi stratejisi bağlamında incelemekte ve özellikle 2013-2020 dönemine odaklanmaktadır. Bu ikili ilişkilerin temeli, Çin'in gelişmekte olan ülkelere açılması ve Afrika devletlerinin bağımsızlıklarını kazanmasıyla atılmıştır. Çin ve Kenya arasındaki resmi diplomatik ilişkiler 1963 yılında kurulmuş olsa da, bu ilişkiler 2000'li yıllarda Çin Devlet Başkanı Hu Jintao ve Kenya Devlet Başkanı Mwai Kibaki'nin liderliğinde önemli ölçüde çeşitlenmiştir. Bu çeşitlenme ticari, kültürel ve siyasi alanları da kapsayarak kamu diplomasisinin kayda değer bir örneği haline geldi.
Çin Devlet Başkanı Xi Jinping'in göreve gelmesiyle birlikte Çin'in kamu diplomasisi daha iddialı ve siyasi yönelimli bir yaklaşıma doğru stratejik bir kayma yaşamıştır. Bu çalışma, Xi Jinping döneminde Çin'in kamu diplomasisinin mevcut çerçevesini geliştiren yeni girişimler ve stratejik planlar ortaya konduğunu savunmaktadır. Bu dönüşümün kilit unsurlarından biri, Kuşak ve Yol Girişimi (BRI) ile ivme kazanan dış yardıma yapılan vurgunun artmasıdır. 2013-2020 yılları arasında Çin'in Kenya'ya yaptığı dış yardımlar, Çin kamu diplomasisinin yapısının yeniden şekillenmesinde önemli bir rol oynamıştır. Bu dönemde, altyapı geliştirme, insani yardım, sağlık yardımı ve eğitim ve kültür projelerine artan bir odaklanmanın yanı sıra, daha önceki aşamalarda kurulan kültür ve medya alanındaki faaliyetlerin devamı ve genişlemesi görüldü.
Çalışma kültürel değişimler, üst düzey ziyaretler ve eğitim girişimleri gibi geleneksel kamu diplomasisi araçlarını inceleyerek başlıyor. Ardından 2013-2020 yılları arasında hayata geçirilen belirli projeler ele alınmakta ve bunların kamu diplomasisi çabalarına katkıları analiz edilmektedir. Son olarak makale, AidData'da belgelendiği şekliyle bu projelere genel bir bakış sunmakta ve Çin ile Kenya arasındaki ikili ilişkiler üzerindeki etkilerini vurgulamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Çin, Kenya, Kamu Diplomasisi, Dış Yardım, AidData

Kaynakça

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