The authors’ views are their own and do not represent the official position of the Institute of Defence

www.rsis.edu.sg No.090– 1 November 2024 The authors’ views are their own and do not represent the official position of the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies of the S. [...] In the early stages of China’s reform and opening up in the late 1970s, the focus was primarily on attracting investment and technological know-how from the diaspora to fuel China’s mailto:rsispublications@ntu.edu.sg . [...] Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the Chinese diaspora has become integral to China’s broader national strategy, tied to the goals of the “Chinese Dream” of national rejuvenation. [...] The politicisation of Chinese identity, however, has sparked growing concerns in host countries, particularly in the Global South, where China’s efforts to engage its diaspora in support of its “China Dream” have led to increased suspicion and debate about the role of overseas Chinese in local politics. [...] In Italy, for example, the government’s favourable attitude towards China during the pandemic was facilitated by the influence of Chinese diaspora networks, demonstrating the potential of digital diplomacy in shaping global perceptions of China.