‘일대일로’ 시대 중국 지방정부의 대외문화 전략 — 광서장족자치구의 대(對)아세안 문화정책을 중심으로

Abstract

This study examines how the Chinese government’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly the concept of “people-to-people connectivity” (民心相通), is implemented as a cultural diplomacy strategy at the local level. Focusing on Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the research investigates how this border region, which connects to ASEAN countries by both land and sea, has become a key site for the localization of China’s foreign cultural policy. Leveraging its multiethnic cultural assets and autonomous governance structure, Guangxi has served as an experimental ground for integrating national strategies with local resources. This paper analyzes how the central government’s policy vision is interpreted, adapted, and institutionalized by the Guangxi regional government through various cultural platforms. Key examples include the China–ASEAN Expo, the China–ASEAN Ethnic Culture Forum, and the Cultural Friendship ASEAN Tour. These platforms transform traditional and ethnic cultural elements into diplomatic content through education, performance, and participatory exchange. Furthermore, Guangxi demonstrates a multi-level governance model that coordinates cooperation among central, local, and international actors. However, limitations remain: the dominance of Chinese-led planning, over-commercialization of cultural content, and insufficient consideration of local audiences in ASEAN countries constrain the mutuality and sustainability of such efforts. The study argues that cultural diplomacy should move beyond unilateral image promotion and instead emphasize co-construction, shared agency, and responsive governance. Strengthening local autonomy and expanding recipient-driven engagement are essential for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of China’s regional cultural diplomacy.