ABSTRACT
This chapter examines China’s ambitions to be a sporting superpower, within the context of the geopolitical economy of sport, soft power development, and sportswashing. It covers Chinese stadium diplomacy, its football development plan, and the hosting of mega events. The analysis includes China’s controversial building of stadiums across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific and the soft power and smart power implications of these investments. China’s ambitious goal to qualify, host, and win the FIFA World Cup by 2050 is debated in the chapter. The analysis also explores the three mega events hosted by China since 2008.
