How The Economist Builds Image Of China’s Economy:Content Analysis And Interpretation From The Perspective Of Frame Thesis

After the global financial crisis in2008, China’s economy ranked the second largest worldwide, raising the economic status of China to a great extent. Due to its increasing comprehensive national strength, China poses more and more influence on the international political and economic situation. China gives an impressive perfonrmnce on the global stage and looks forward to the world listening to voices from inside the country. Image of China’s economy serves as a significant part of image of China, playing an indispensible role in building "a peacefully rising power with responsibility". Considering its reputable status, study into the media frame of reports concerning China’s economy on The Economist contributes to comprehending the construction of China’s image by overseas media. Accordingly, our media might adjust the existing strategies of current external communication, so as to present Chinese society of development, reform and opening, peace and stability to the world.Out of this purpose, the writer selected195relevant reports in The Economist to illustrate the media frame of image of China’s economy three years after the financial storm. This study bases its arguments on frame theory, and as to methods of content analysis, the writer refers to Dr. Zang Guoren’s frame analysis statements.This thesis consists of five chapters in total. Chapter one and two focus on demonstrating background and importance of this study, summarizing outcomes of discussions concerning state image and frame theory, and introducing studying methods and train of thoughts. In the crucial following section, the writer conducts sample analysis from three dimensions:subject framing under high-level structure scope, content and attitude framing under middle-level structure scope and text interpretation of "Yuan" reports in comparison with Chinese Caijing under low-lever structure scope. Through quantitative study and qualitative analysis, the writer extracts characteristics of reports about China’s economy on The Economist and reaches a conclusion that the magazine builds image of China under the media frame "paradox of prosperity". The thesis ends up with suggestions for our external communication media.