by: Mr. Ovais Ali Khokhar, Chairman, Board of Experts, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad:
China’s commitment to world peace and development through sports diplomacy has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy since the nation’s foundation. Embracing the reform and opening policy, China’s sports diplomacy has achieved historic success by actively participating in international sports, hosting major events, and engaging in cultural exchanges. In the last decade, China’s multifaceted approach, characterized by economic growth, cultural soft power, and sports inspiration, reflects its pursuit of major countrywide sporting diplomacy.
The Role of Sports Diplomacy: Positioned as a vital demonstration of soft power, sports diplomacy plays a crucial role in maintaining global peace, international security, and fostering win-win cooperation. It contributes significantly to the implementation of China’s national diplomatic strategy, promoting physical culture and creating a lasting impact on international relations.
Successful Sports Diplomacy of China: Initiated in the 1970s under the “ping pong” diplomatic principle, China’s sports diplomacy has evolved to embody an independent foreign policy of peace. The core value of the Chinese spirit, emphasizing “friendship first, competition second,” has been instrumental in integrating international sports with China’s development. The transition from the “Sick Man of East Asia” to the success of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games signifies China’s diplomatic achievements with global nations.
People-to-People Exchange: Sports diplomacy plays a crucial role in advancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges, building political mutual trust, and fostering economic and trade relationships. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are integral to China’s foreign relations, enhancing international communication and projecting a positive image globally. Notably, sports contribute significantly to high-level exchange mechanisms established between China and key countries.
President Xi’s Vision for Shared Future: Under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, sports diplomacy has gained prominence in realizing the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity. Personal engagements, including support for the Winter Olympics 2022, visits to the International Olympic Committee, and participation in football games during diplomatic visits, highlight President Xi’s commitment to sports diplomacy. China’s sports diplomacy extends to major bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, reinforcing global cooperation.
Conclusion: China’s successful sports diplomacy stands as a vital pillar in its foreign policy, embodying its commitment to global peace and collaboration. From its early “ping pong” diplomacy to the comprehensive strategy of today, China has utilized sports as a tool to bring people together and project its values on the world stage. Under President Xi’s leadership, sports diplomacy has become a central element in China’s foreign relations, fostering people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding on a global scale.
