A/Prof Yan Tan1, A/Prof Ying Zhou2, A/Prof Na Ren2, A/Prof Yang Luo3, A/Prof Yun Zhang2
1The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia, 2Jinan University, Guangzhou, China, 3The China Institute of Chinese Overseas Studies, Beijing, China
Chair: Yan Tan
Overview:
It is estimated that the Chinese diaspora amounted to 60 million in 2018, most of whom reside in Asia. China is undergoing profound demographic, economic, and social transitions, which in turn have reshaped its development interest. In tandem with these transitions, the role of Chinese diaspora is being transformed, evolving towards an active transnational actor who influences development outcomes in both countries of origin and destination, through sustaining domestic economic and socio-cultural development and enhancing soft power on the global stage. Bringing the concept of transnationalism to the studies on Chinese diaspora and drawing on empirical studies in Asian countries, this panel rethinks complex transnational linkages constructed by Chinese diasporas and dynamic approaches to engaging Chinese diasporas for development under the changing global, regional and national contexts. Enhanced understandings of Chinese diasporas and their impacts on development have significant implications for diaspora engagement policies and programs in China and other parts of Asia.