China's soft power policy on the example of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

Joseph S. Nye's concept of soft power constitutes the basic axis of the concept of power in international relations. The main purpose of China's soft power policy is creation of an attractive image, thereby which it is possible to achieve political, economic and social goals at international and regional levels. This study deals with the theoretical framework of the concept of "soft power" and its application by China in Central Asian countries. In addition, the study evaluates the economic, commercial, investment and transportation interactions and problems of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan with China. China is rapidly becoming a leading economic power in the region, affecting the pace, rhythm and sectoral structure of the economic growth of the five Central Asian countries. The aim of the study is to analyze the reflections of China's soft power policy on the Central Asian countries, especially in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.