Editor's Note
This chapter is a part of CSEP's edited report "How China Engages South Asia: In the Open and Behind the Scenes"
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Abstract
It has been 10 years (2013–2023) since China established the flagship project of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Pakistan, known as the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During this time, it has proactively engaged in what will be referred to in this report as ‘awards diplomacy’, which helps create a positive image of China and CPEC in Pakistan. This study examines Chinese awards, including the Friendship Award, given to Pakistani citizens in recognition of their work. It draws on the author’s novel dataset of Chinese awards given to Pakistani citizens from 2013–2023. As such, this is the first time Chinese awards given to citizens in a BRI country have been studied. The findings reveal the importance of those who help disseminate goodwill towards China and CPEC in China’s public diplomacy engagement in Pakistan.
Eram Ashraf
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The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) is an independent, public policy think tank with a mandate to conduct research and analysis on critical issues facing India and the world and help shape policies that advance sustainable growth and development.