Date of Award

2-23-2025

Thesis Type

PhD

Document Type

Thesis

Divisions

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Department

Department of Chinese Studies

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

The 21st century has witnessed the ascendance of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), catalysing a reconfiguration of Chinese identity among Malaysian Chinese communities. This phenomenon, characterised by the establishment and reinforcement of transnational connections with mainland China and ancestral homelands, has emerged as a significant area of academic inquiry. While extant scholarship recognises the impact of China’s geopolitical ascent on diasporic communities, there remains a notable theoretical gap in explicating the specific mechanisms of soft power projection and the pluralistic nature of Chinese identity that engenders differential responsiveness. This study addresses critical scholarly concerns regarding contemporary China’s influence on the Malaysian Chinese diaspora, while advancing theoretical understanding of China’s soft power through a refined analysis of its intentionality, intermediaries, and operational limitations. The investigation adopts a comprehensive methodological framework to elucidate the complex interplay between China’s soft power initiatives and the varied responses of Malaysian Chinese communities, shaped by historical trajectories, public diplomacy strategies, cultural intermediaries, and the multiplicity of Chineseness. First, the historical influence from China demonstrates a dialectical process of de-Sinicisation and re-Sinicisation within diasporic communities. A systematic examination of the historical interactions between China and Chinese communities elucidates how evolving socio-political and cultural conditions have shaped Malaysian Chinese identity. Second, contemporary China has allocated substantial resources to public diplomacy initiatives executed through both state and non-state channels. These strategically designed endeavours aim to cultivate cultural affinity, promote political values, and advance foreign policy objectives, thereby shaping national perception and strengthening bilateral relations with Malaysia. Third, Malaysian Chinese organisations and individuals function as cultural intermediaries, facilitating localised interconnectivity and transnational collaboration. These actors serve dual roles as both recipients and beneficiaries of public diplomacy initiatives, while potentially evolving into active proponents of such initiatives. However, the inherent diversity and complexity within Chinese communities profoundly shape their receptiveness to China’s soft power projection. The study concludes that a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics requires a nuanced analytical framework that accounts for multiple interacting factors. The Malaysian Chinese case study provides a distinctive perspective on China’s soft power projection and yields novel insights into its regional influence within Southeast Asia. This research contributes to the field by offering valuable paradigms for examining the limitations and challenges of China’s soft power in Malaysia, while advocating for more adaptive strategies to enhance cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

Comments

Thesis (PhD) – Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 2025.

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