Background: Cultural diplomacy has been gaining prominence in recent years as a crucial aspect of international relations.In the case of China,the country has been actively promoting its culture abroad as a means of building soft power and improving its global image.Despite the growing interest in cultural diplomacy,little research has been conducted on its effectiveness and impact.This study aims to fill this gap by examining the case of the International Music Expo(IMX)and its role in promoting Chinese music and culture as a whole internationally.In this context,the case of IMX offers a valuable case study for understanding the complexities of cultural diplomacy in China.By examining the strategies and approaches,we can gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of promoting Chinese culture in the global arena.The research aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role of cultural diplomacy in China’s foreign policy and to provide insights into the effectiveness of online music industry events as tools for cultural diplomacy.Objective:The primary objective of this research is to explore the significance of the IMX project as a case study of Sino-international cultural diplomacy.The study investigates the extent to which the project contributes to the promotion of cultural exchange and the enhancement of mutual understanding between China and other countries.The research also examines the challenges and opportunities of the IMX project and its potential for future development.Methods: This study used a qualitative research design,including interviews with key stakeholders involved in the IMX project and a comprehensive review of relevant literature on cultural diplomacy,music collaboration,and cross-cultural communication.The interviews were conducted with participants from different backgrounds,including artists,music producers,project managers,and government officials.The data collected from the interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.Results: The findings reveal that the IMX project has significantly contributed to the promotion of cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and other countries.The project has provided a platform for artists from different cultural backgrounds to collaborate and create new music that represents both Eastern and Western musical styles.The project has also helped to break down cultural barriers and stereotypes,promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding.However,the study also identified several challenges faced by the IMX project,including language barriers,cultural differences,and funding constraints.Conclusion: In conclusion,the IMX project is a successful case study of Sino-international cultural diplomacy,promoting cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding through music collaboration.The project has significant potential for future development and can serve as a model for other cultural exchange programs.However,to sustain its success,the IMX project needs to address the challenges identified in this study,including funding constraints and cultural barriers.The study recommends further research to investigate the sustainability and scalability of the IMX project and its potential for replication in other cultural sectors. |