China's Image In Russian Social Network

Based on national image and framing theories,this research examines the image of China,represented in popular China-related communities of Russian social network VK.com.Quantitative method of content analysis was used to define and compare framing patterns of “Magazeta”,“Tales of Laowai”,“EKD.me” communities,including themes,issues,key words,tone of narration,story formats,sources,characteristics of language and structure,the number of likes,views and comments towards certain themes and issues.The research offers a new and alternative vision on China image studies as most of the previous studies focused on its representation in Chinese and international mainstream media.Results demonstrated a multi-faceted image of modern China with prevailing cultural and social issues in positive and neutral tone such as tourism in China,Chinese cuisine,architecture of Shanghai,modern and ancient art,literature,foreigners' life in China,Chinese mentality.Negativelycolored issues pointed out strict Internet censorship,Big Data control,misunderstandings of local character and behaviour,social problems in modern Chinese society including overpopulation,addiction to electronic gadgets,high pressure at school and struggle for workplace,etc.Similar to previous research,Chinese business and economy were covered with positive keywords “miraculous revival”,“awakened economy of joint benefits”,“economic leader”.However,political issues demonstrated different results with the emphasis on China-Russia cooperation and strategic partnership in stabilizing world conflicts,opposing to the western aggression,striving for political stability.Combination of first-hand and repasted sources,features,news,commentaries,personal diaries and other story formats contributed to balanced and unbiased reporting on China on Russian social network VK.com,where Russian audience generated original stories and set the agenda for discussion.