Issues facing China’s soft power in the 16+1 Platform

The 16+1 Platform of cooperation is not only an economic project, but also a vehicle for China to spread its soft power appeal in the region. The aim of the article is to demonstrate the issues facing Chinese soft power in the Central and Eastern European Countries that are members of the 16+1 Platform. Firstly, we give a brief look at the historical and cultural hurdles China must overcome in wielding its soft power in the CEECs. Next, we focus on the impact the economic results of the 16+1 cooperation has had on Chinese soft power appeal. Afterwards, attention shifts to the role the EU’s own soft power plays in increasing or decreasing China’s attractiveness in the region. The conclusion is that China’s soft power in the region is linked to its economic hard power. With the 16+1 cooperation not fulfilling expectations, China’s appeal in the CEECs is suffering as well.