CHINESE SOFT POWER IN LATIN AMERICA IN CONTEXT OF "ONE BELT, ONE ROAD" IMPLEMENTATION

Soft power is an important tool of modern external strategy of China. China seeks to improve its international image, to overcome prejudices and to show the peaceful nature of its current rise. "One belt, one road" (OBOR) is a major foreign initiative of modern China. Through the modernization of transport infrastructure, development of trade partnerships it's designed to foster economic growth and to strengthen integration of China into global economy. As the initiative develops it is having a growing influence on Chinese image and soft power. Latin America is not directly involved into OBOR activities. However, China sees Latin America as a "natural extension" of the New Maritime Silk Road, so OBOR activities are influencing modern relations between China and Latin America. In article author attempts to describe the main features of the formation of Chinese "soft power" in Latin America in context of the "One belt, one road" implementation. Author seeks to explain how the application of this large-scale initiative affects the image of the PRC in the region and the possibilities of promoting Chinese interests in Latin America. Studies show that on average China has a positive image in Latin American countries. OBOR-related cooperation may improve Chinese soft power in the region by offering new opportunities for local economies, creating new jobs and helping to modernize infrastructure. Development of cooperation in context of initiative raises awareness about China among Latin-Americans, brings attention to Chinese culture and values. Today China supports OBOR-related media activity, offers scholarships and internships within the framework of OBOR. This helps China to become more deeply involved into everyday life of local population. However, closer cooperation also leads to skepticism about economic dependency on China and risks for environment. OBOR is only at the beginning of its implementation. If China succeeds to achieve all the goals, that are being set today, it may become the basis not only for a successful cooperation with different regions, but also for a global leadership of China. OBOR is a subject of hopes related to solving the economic problems of Latin America and increasing its role in international politics. In the upcoming years we should expect the deepening cooperation within initiative between China and Latin America, further expansion of joint projects and greater connections between Chinese soft power and OBOR activities in the region.