Transnational linkages, power relations and the migration–development nexus: China and its diaspora

Abstract

While accepting that the migration-development nexus is best understood from a transnational perspective, recent studies analyse this nexus in a partial way rather than holistically. We review the literature, then attempt an enriched account of the complex and rapidly evolving relationship between diaspora and development in Chinaa country undergoing profound demographic, economic and social changes. Using in-depth interviews with a variety of key informants or stakeholders and a transnationally oriented framework, we analyse features across three core policy dimensions that incorporate both international and domestic dynamics: citizenship, top talent recruitment and soft power. Our findings contribute to the literature on Chinese-state-diaspora relations. They show that China's approach to its diaspora policy and development, practice and outcomes reaches with powerful new effects across national borders. The transnational-relational perspective gives an optimal paradigm for researchers and policymakers to understand changing strengths and complexities in interactions (contestation, conflict, negotiation, cooperation) between multi-scalar and multi-dimensional linkages, and to form diaspora policy and engagement programmes responsive to unprecedented global political, economic and social disruption.

Measuring diaspora populations and their socio‐economic profiles: Australia’s Chinese diaspora

“…It has sought to supplement its traditional use of hard power with soft power that is intended to “gradually change China’s image in the international society from negative to neutral to positive” (Wang, 2008, p. 269). Chinese governments would do well to treat all in the diaspora—including those not achieving high socio‐economic status—as a bridge or channel for the exchange of technology and wisdom: promoting integration of overseas Chinese into destination societies and enabling them to tell good Chinese stories (Tan et al, 2021).…”

“…Migrant returnees constitute an important part of the NSC. In recent years, different levels of Chinese government have designed and implemented programs to engage those talented freelance workers and entrepreneurs classified as NSC, many of whom are overseas returnees (Tan et al, 2021). More policies and programs are needed to enable those returned migrants to bring dynamics to Chinese labour market more effectively with the work styles, knowledge, skills, and experiences they have acquired overseas.…”

“…Yet, there is little research into its composition, distribution, and socio‐economic characteristics at destination. Second, China’s profound demographic, social, and economic transitions have forced a transformation in its diaspora engagement policy (Tan et al, 2021). The heterogeneity, long history, and sheer size of Chinese migration to Australia lend substance, reliability, and generalisability to our investigation.…”

Decoding Australia's China threat narrative during 2016–2021

“…Tan et al . (2021) examined the complicated relations between the Chinese government and the diaspora.…”

Dual‐facing bridges and brokers: Diaspora politics and Chinese voluntary associations

“…Academic literature and popular discourse recognise that diaspora associations like the Chinese voluntary associations can function as key actors driving diaspora-as-development (e. g. see Tan et al, 2021), thereby fostering business relations not only for the 'homeland' (or ancestral land in this case), but as the examples in this commentary show, benefitting the economic development and innovation of their countries of settlement too. Chinese voluntary associations can be furthermore drawn into diplomatic action or 'diaspora diplomacy' (Ho and McConnell, 2019), not only to advance the interests of the 'homeland', but also to represent the cultural strengths and economic and political positions of the country of immigration settlement.…”