Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the Confucius Institute Chinese international promotion could better promote the development of China's foreign trade, by analyzing the distribution of the Confucius Institute worldwide, based on the theory of language economics, using SWOT analysis to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the internal environment, opportunities and challenges of the external environment of Chinese international promotion of Confucius Institute. The following findings were gathered: as a language teaching institution and information exchange platform, Confucius Institute has the ability to share trade information and increase trade opportunities; to improve cultural identity and reduce transaction costs; to promote cultural communication and integration, and drive the development of related industries. The internal disadvantages were mainly reflected in the mismatch between the global regional distribution structure of Confucius Institutes, and the economic and trade structure, such as, the asymmetry between language, culture output, and demand. In addition, the management mechanism was not perfect. External opportunities were mainly new opportunities brought by economic globalization, cultural diversity, and the development of the Belt and Road initiative. External challenges were mainly influenced by the China threat theory and the fierce cultural competition among countries. The corresponding countermeasures were put forward based on the advantages of the platform and grasping the external opportunities: improving the quality of operation and speeding up the localization process; respecting cultural differences and realizing cultural common learning; seeking multilateral cooperation and enhancing the capacity for independent development.