Overseas Chinese as assets of public diplomacy in Southeast Asia

The Chinese living abroad have great influence in the fields of economy, culture and politics. As a means of communication between the country of residence and the country of origin, they play a prominent role in coordinating China's relations with other countries. This article is dedicated to Chinese people living abroad, it reveals their basic position and status in society. The overseas Chinese, as an important asset, has become an important part of China's soft power, and has also become a unique advantage that China enjoys for public diplomacy. Starting with the definition of Overseas Chinese, this article explains the concepts of different types of Overseas Chinese in countries of Southeast Asia. Then, from the number and distribution of overseas Chinese to the economic and political status of overseas Chinese is gradually discussed in detail, and the actual situation of overseas Chinese is also introduced to readers.