The Role of Local Government in International Relations: A Case Study of Friendship City Agreements between Khon Kaen City and Nanning City

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the role of local government in friendship relations between Khon Kaen and Nanning City. It aims to 1) study the development of the friendship city agreement between two cities, 2) summarizes the achievementsof the friendship cities’ communication, and analyze the existing problems and obstacles, and determine the local government functions in the international relation, 3) put forward the corresponding countermeasures and solutions. Documentary analysis and field survey using in-depth interview were conducted in this research.It was found out that: 1) The bilateral relations of two cities have developed rapidly, especially in the field of cultural, education and youth exchanges, the regular high-level visit and large conference activities effectively promote the exchanges. 2) Although the exchanges between the two cities have achieved certain results,the existing problems included insufficient substance and language communication problem, narrow restriction of communication and insufficient non-governmental exchange which still impeding further exchanges between the two cities. And 3) the corresponding counter measures and solutions should consider various level of functions; concept level, non-government level and input level. So the future Implementation should begin from the currently existing projects, combined with the characteristics and strengths of the two cities. Furthermore, the focal focus should be on education field to create “exchange students” projects. One of the mechanisms that will help the success of this policy implementation is through the use of joint cities special fund which will be utilized primarily for student scholarships. The outstanding students will be selected to attend educational institutions of each other’s city.