China leverages buddhist diplomacy to counter negative global perceptions?

China's use of Buddhism in diplomacy is a key element of its foreign policy, particularly under Xi Jinping. The Chinese government leverages Buddhism, a shared cultural heritage in Asia, to enhance its soft power and strengthen ties with neighbouring countries, particularly those with Buddhist populations. This approach is part of China's broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), designed to foster socio-cultural relationships and promote peaceful cooperation.

Although China is often perceived as an atheist regime with limited space for religious freedom—especially given the destruction of monasteries during the Cultural Revolution—it has systematically re-framed Buddhism as both a local and ancient religion of China. This shift in perception serves multiple purposes: it counteracts the spread of Christianity with its Western associations, provides an alternative to growing domestic materialism, and offers a diplomatic link to countries with significant Buddhist populations or Buddhist-leaning philosophies.

Buddhism has proven to be an effective tool in promoting China’s peaceful image, particularly with its immediate neighbors, many of which have Buddhist populations or Confucian teachings. At the forefront of this effort, China has sought to reshape its global image, distancing itself from the label of a revisionist power that poses a threat to international peace and security. Cultural exchanges and events like the World Buddhist Forum bring together Buddhist leaders and scholars from around the world to discuss shared values, promote peace, and foster goodwill. In addition, China has invested in renovating and building Buddhist temples and monasteries across various countries, aiming to project itself as a peaceful, culturally rich nation.

China’s Buddhist diplomacy is heavily coordinated by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). Established in 1954, the CPAFFC plays a central role in promoting mutual understanding between China and other nations. The organization arranges cultural and religious exchanges, including those focused on Buddhism, to enhance international cooperation and peace. However, while the CPAFFC operates in a seemingly independent manner, it is deeply connected to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and answers directly to the State Council. This connection to the Chinese Communist Party makes it an important tool in China's broader foreign policy strategy.

The CPAFFC actively works to influence both governmental and non-governmental organizations through Buddhist diplomacy. By hosting Buddhist conferences, cultural tours, and academic dialogues on Buddhist philosophy, the organization seeks to shape global perceptions of China as a custodian of Buddhist heritage. Yet, its activities have raised concerns about China's broader soft power agenda. Critics argue that the CPAFFC uses Buddhist diplomacy to exert influence over sub-national governments and local political leaders, as demonstrated by its involvement in the World Buddhist Forum and other international events.

In 2023, Yang Wanming was appointed president of the CPAFFC, signaling Beijing's continued efforts to strengthen ties with regions like Latin America, where China is the second-largest trading partner after the U.S. These efforts have been met with suspicion from the West. In 2020, the U.S. State Department discontinued its participation in the US-China Governors Forum, citing concerns that the CPAFFC was attempting to influence state and local leaders. In 2022, the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Center issued a warning about the CPAFFC's activities, describing it as a tool for co-opting subnational governments and pressing China's geopolitical agenda.

The global promotion of Buddhism as a form of soft power by China is unprecedented in the modern world. While Beijing has become increasingly assertive in territorial disputes and has triggered multiple standoffs with its neighbors, it also recognizes the need to address the fears surrounding its rapid rise. In this context, Buddhist diplomacy serves as a counterbalance to the aggressive image China has cultivated through its territorial claims and other actions. Beijing believes that by emphasizing shared cultural and spiritual ties, it can allay the concerns of its neighbors, particularly in Southeast Asia, where the Belt and Road Initiative has sparked skepticism and resistance.

Xi Jinping has been at the forefront of this initiative, directing more resources into Buddhism as part of China's political and economic strategy. His 2014 speech at UNESCO emphasized Buddhism’s integration into Chinese culture, referring to it as “Buddhism with Chinese characteristics.” Xi’s vision reflects China’s historical self-image as the “Middle Kingdom,” with surrounding countries falling within its cultural orbit. Under his leadership, China has worked to portray Buddhism not only as a local tradition but as a key component of China's global soft power.

However, this outward projection of Buddhist diplomacy is not without contradiction. While China promotes its version of Buddhism globally, it continues to suppress religious freedoms domestically, particularly in Tibet, where protests and self-immolations have been met with harsh repression. The government's promotion of Buddhism as a state tool also seeks to weaken the Tibetan independence movement, which Beijing labels as “spiritist.”

In addition to its Buddhist diplomacy, China has implemented strict religious policies domestically. The Patriotic Education Law, enacted in 2024, mandates that religious groups—including Buddhist institutions—promote loyalty to the Communist Party. This law requires religious leaders and followers to align their practices with socialist values and includes provisions for increasing state control over religious activities. Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims face growing restrictions, with reports of raids on churches, restrictions on religious teachings, and forced alignments with state ideology.

Despite the internal repression, China continues to project itself as a leader in Buddhist diplomacy. This strategy is aimed at countering any potential resistance to its global initiatives, particularly the Belt and Road Initiative. Given China's limited global soft power, Buddhist diplomacy serves as a crucial tool for building China's image as a peaceful, culturally-rich, and diplomatic power. By positioning itself as the guardian of Buddhist heritage, China seeks to garner influence in Buddhist-majority countries and reduce the geopolitical risks posed by its growing economic and political influence.