Sino-Indonesian relations in the academic sphere: how ethnic Chinese Indonesian students navigate identity and opportunity. A case study of Zhejiang University international campus

This thesis investigates the motivations behind the migration of ethnic Chinese Indonesian students to China for higher education, framed within the broader context of China’s evolving diaspora policies and Sino-Indonesian relations. As China increasingly emerges as a destination for international students, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the study explores factors driving migration to China, such as career opportunities, academic quality, and cultural heritage. Through a case study of ethnic Chinese Indonesian students at Zhejiang University Haining International Campus and data collected via an original survey, the research identifies key push and pull factors influencing these students' decisions. It also integrates these factors with broader social, political, and institutional processes that shape students' choices. The thesis highlights the strategic importance of these students as cultural ambassadors, acting as bridges between China and Indonesia and contributing to stronger bilateral relations. It demonstrates how China leverages its education system as a tool of soft power, enhancing its global influence through positive student experiences. Finally, the study suggests areas for future research, including examining a larger sample of students across Chinese universities and exploring the long-term career impacts of studying in China, to deepen the understanding of the role of educational exchanges in shaping international relations and China’s soft power.