The Construction of China’s National Economic Image by an Island Country in the Indian Ocean: A Corpus-based Analysis of China-related Economic Reports by the Maldivian Media Sun Online
China’s national economic image; Maldivian media; Corpus analysis; Media framing analysis; Economic cooperation between China and Maldives; Belt and Road Initiative
Based on a self-built corpus of China-related economic reports by the Maldivian media Sun Online, this study analysed the news with LancsBox. The purpose is to explore China’s national economic image embodied under the guidance of Media Framing Theory. It is found that the Maldivian media constructed a multi-dimensional image of China as a major economic country through diversified reporting content and strategies, not only highlighting China’s important role in the Maldivian economic development, but also reflecting the breadth and depth of cooperation between the two countries. In the eyes of the news media, China is a reliable friend, helper and partner. Furthermore, after the new President took office, the news reports shaped a more positive and active economic image of China than in the past, which provides implications for China’s international communication and the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.