International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies ISSN 2520-0968 (Online), ISSN 2409-1294 (Print), March 2017, Vol.3, No.3 94 IJSSES The Role of Soft Power in China's Foreign Policy in the 21 st Century Beston Husen Arif 1 1 University of Sulaimani, Department Politics and International Relations, Sulaimani, Iraq Correspondence: Beston Husen Arif, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. Email: beston.husen@yahoo.com Received: January 23, 2017 Accepted: February 25, 2017 Online Published: March 1, 2017 doi: 10.23918/ijsses.v3i3p94 Abstract: The concept of soft power has recently become more integrated in China’s diplomatic strategy and foreign policy. China’s utilization of hard power only is insufficient if it wishes to be an active player on the international stage. It also needs to employ soft power to stimulate its influences and leadership in world politics. This study focuses on the argument that soft power can play a significant role in shaping China’s charm image among other countries. It also discusses that China’s aspiration to be a more powerful state in the region depends on its ability to put more efforts into its soft power tactics. To this end, China has employed various tools of soft power's sources including Chinese culture, language, arts, aids, trades and investments to promote its influences abroad. China’s interest in using soft power comes from its demanding national interests. These national interests include trying to secure a peaceful environment for its economic growth, to accommodate for its increasing energy needs, and also to minimise the influence of other powers, particularly the United States. Keywords: China, Soft Power, Hard Power, Foreign Policy, National Interests 1. Introduction Applying soft power in foreign policy has become a prevalent means in the relationship and cooperation among countries to exercise their powers without depending overwhelmingly on hard power. The concept of "soft power" was originally introduced by Joseph Nye in his book titled Bound to Lead in 1990. According to Nye (2004, p.5) “soft power- getting others to want the outcomes that you want, co- opts people rather than coerces them”. In other words, soft power is a valuable tool to make others do what you want without resorting to coercive measures. Nye argues that the source of „soft power‟ comes from intangible tools such as ideology, culture, and institutions (Nye 2004, p.6). Soft power has played a crucial role in the decision making of the United States' foreign policy and it has also been adopted by some other countries, including China. In Southeast Asia, China has appeared to be more powerful regarding its hard power tactics toward economy, military and technology. This rise in power encouraged Chinese leaders to think about other, more nuanced aspects of power. In the Chinese view, soft power is a helpful concept to build regional and geopolitical alliances across Southeast Asia and beyond (Huang & Ding 2006, p. 22). To this end, China has to use various types of soft powers' means