The coverage of China in the Latin American Press: Media framing study

Abstract

This study examines the image of China in Latin America and intends to determine the audience perception toward it based on a content analysis approach. Informed by media framing theory, linguistics, and functionalist sociology, the study of five Latin American Media outlets in countries holding diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or Taiwan displayed a common pattern in the growth of number of articles about the PRC. This analysis exposes a dynamic and multifaceted image of the PRC. Although under economic and investment categories, China is portrayed as a favorable partner, still there are highly negative sentiments related to environment, copyrights, democracy, and military development. A content analysis reveals that the main source of articles related to China in Latin media are written by American or European news agencies. Framing techniques in Latin America have been influenced by foreign stereotypes as the contact between South America and Asia has been mediated by international media outlets. The results of this study suggest implications for diplomacy and media research and may contribute to deep understanding diplomacy between China and Latin American countries.