This paper traces the channels of intercultural communication between China and Pakistan, the oldest strategic allies in the region. The study explores two government’s initiatives, academic programs and projects aimed at promoting intercultural communication through the opening up of Chinese language and cultural centers. The globalization has opened new channels of interaction with nations, societies, cultures and civilizations as well as it has linked international markets; therefore the need to understand and communicate with the world has also increased. China; as a second largest economy of world; the third biggest investor; as a biggest trade partner of more 120countries, is shaping and influencing the world. In recent years, China’s cultural communication programs with the global community have increased multifold. Chinese leadership has envisioned a new strategy to influence the world by promoting Chinese language and culture. Around 400 Confucius Institutes have been set to these objectives imparting Chinese language and culture to some 40 million people. These communication measures symbolize China’s long-term vision for the immediate neighbors, region and the world. Pakistan and China are friends, neighbors, allies and economic partners. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1951, both the countries have celebrated a time-tested friendship full of vigor and vitality. But language barrier was considered a big communication gap between the people of two countries. To overcome this hurdle and to add new momentum to the existing relations, China has launched various programs of intercultural cultural communication. These include teaching Chinese language, Chinese music, Taiji Chuan, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese history, its culture and its tremendous economic and technological achievements to Pakistani youth. In this regard, various Chinese media organizations, educational institutes have established joint ventures and partnerships with Pakistan’s educational institutes, think tanks, schools, government departments to enhance intercultural communication between two countries. This paper uncovers the role of China’s Confucius Institutes, China Radio International-CRI, Chinese Embassy Islamabad, and Sichuan University and from Pakistan side; National University of Modern Languages (NUML); Pakistan-China Institute; and Roots Millennium Schools to boost Pakistan China Cultural Communication.. The paper also highlights how these organizations are using various medium such new media and E-Learning, radio broadcast and video conference for teaching Chinese language and cultures. It focuses on the policy of Sindh Government to promote Chinese Language at Public Schools in the province. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong addressing the Chinese Bridge Competition at the National University of Modern Language (NUML) said “increasing Chinese teaching institutes in Pakistan will build the foundation of powerful China friendly community. It could pave way for China to bridge with Muslim worldâ€. Boosting of Pakistan China intercultural communication has various positive influences that includes creating new window of opportunities for Pakistani youth in the realms of business and trade, education and research, science and technology. It is expanding the horizon of bilateral economic cooperative partnership.
Keywords: Language and Communication, new media, Chinese Language, Cultural diplomacy, Confucius institutes, China Pakistan Relations, cultural engagement