The Role of Chinese Media in Shaping State Image. An Analysis of Lithuania from 2020 to 2022

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Literature review

2. Conception Definition

3. Theoretical approach

4. Methodology

5. Lithuania’s state image in Chinese media: what is the certainty and what is the transition?

5.1. Simplify image: what people focus on at the previous time?

5.2. Transition: from monotonous to multiple

5.3. Chapter Summary

6. Clarification: How does the Chinese media frame Lithuania's state image?

6.1. Frame: The specific ways in which the media shapes the Lithuanian state image

6.2. Motives and prerequisites for the media to frame the Lithuania’s state image

6.3. Chapter Summary

Conclusions

List of literature

Annex. Table of media information collected

Research Objectives & Topics

This master's thesis investigates how the state image of Lithuania has been framed by Chinese media outlets from 2020 through August 2022. By applying framing theory, the research analyzes the evolution of this image, identifies the narrative processes used by authoritative Chinese media, and explores the political and civilizational motivations behind these portrayals.

• Evolution of Lithuania's image in Chinese media discourse.
• Application of Robert Entman’s framing theory in a political context.
• The impact of diplomatic tensions (Taiwan issue) on media narratives.
• Motivations behind the "binding" of Lithuania to US/Western policies.
• The interplay between media framing and Chinese strategic culture.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Introduction: Outlines the research background and the significance of media control in shaping political discourse, specifically regarding Lithuania.

1. Literature review: Analyzes existing Chinese academic perspectives on Lithuania, noting a decline in research output since 2020 despite the increase in media coverage.

2. Conception Definition: Establishes critical definitions for terminology, specifically clarifying the scope of "Chinese media" and the analytical concept of "Frame".

3. Theoretical approach: Details the application of framing theory and the civilizational clash perspective to analyze media motivation.

4. Methodology: Describes the qualitative content analysis approach used to examine over 1,200 collected text materials.

5. Lithuania’s state image in Chinese media: what is the certainty and what is the transition?: Examines the dynamic shift in Lithuania's representation from a monotonous "small state" to a more complex, albeit often negative, image.

6. Clarification: How does the Chinese media frame Lithuania's state image?: Explores the specific technical framing mechanisms, such as definition and moral judgment, and the underlying motivations for these depictions.

Conclusions: Summarizes the thesis findings, confirming that Lithuania's image in Chinese media is a deliberate construct driven by broader strategic and political goals.

Keywords

Chinese media, Lithuania, state image, frame theory, political communication, motives, civilization, Taiwan, geopolitics, media framing, diplomatical conflict, soft power, narrative construction, foreign policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core subject of this thesis?

The thesis examines how China's authoritative media outlets portray and frame the state image of Lithuania, particularly following the diplomatic tensions that emerged around 2020.

What are the primary thematic fields analyzed?

The research focuses on political discourse, diplomatic relations, economic cooperation, human rights narratives, and how Lithuania is linked to the United States and NATO in Chinese state media.

What is the main research question?

The central question is: "How did Chinese media frame Lithuania’s state image since 2020?"

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The author uses qualitative content analysis of 1,200 media texts combined with the application of Robert Entman’s framing theory and Huntington’s civilizational clash theory.

What is discussed in the main body of the work?

The main body evaluates how Chinese media shifted from a neglected, monotonous view of Lithuania to a more complex, multi-dimensional framing, primarily driven by China's changing diplomatic stance on Taiwan and Lithuania's alignment with the US.

Which keywords best characterize this research?

Key terms include Chinese media, Lithuania, state image, framing theory, political communication, geopolitics, and civilizational clash.

How does the media "frame" the Lithuania-Taiwan relationship?

The Chinese media frames the relationship by highlighting the "One China" principle, defining the issue as a "land/territory" breach, and using keywords to portray Lithuania’s actions as provocative, unjust, and instigated by the United States.

Why does the thesis mention "black jails"?

The thesis analyzes the specific media narrative regarding Lithuania's cooperation with US counter-terrorism operations, which serves as a dimension of the media’s broader criticism of Lithuania’s human rights record to counter Western criticism of China.