A Research On The Construction Of China's National Image In IRNA News Reports(2017.8-2018.8)

With the development of the "Belt and Road Initiative",the ties between China and Iran have been deepened.The two countries have made much progress in cooperation in the fields of politics,economy,energy,infrastructure construction and cultural exchanges.The Iranian media caught more attention on China,and the image of China presented in those Iranian new reports shows certain characteristics over a certain period of time.This research analyzed the Iranian Islamic News Agency(IRNA)'s report on China,and discussed the factors that might have influenced the construction of China's national image.This research selected 1,110 Persian news reports on China on IRNA's website,covering a time period from Shahrivar 1,1396 to Mordad 31,1397 in Persian calendar(August 23,2017 to August 22,2018).Through a content analysis of these reports,this research found the characteristics of IRNA's news reports on China as follows:Most reports are news articles within 1000 words and there are few commentary reports.The reports are usually neutral or positive,and negative reports are rare.The reports focus on international politics and economic issues,and reports on China-US,China-Iran,China-India relations account for the largest proportion.Conflict frame and cooperation frame are the most used news frames in IRNA's reports to present information and international events.For example,most Sino-US reports adopt a conflict frame,and most reports on the relations between China and Iran are based on a frame of cooperation.IRNA's reports present a relatively positive image of China through specific framing.In terms of politics,economy,science and technology,and military affairs,China is rising peacefully in the world and continuously strengthening its power.China's regional influence has gradually expanded in the international arena,and China develops close cooperation with the "Belt and Road" countries.But China also faces threats and challenges from the United States and some other Western countries.In terms of culture,society and some other aspects,China has a splendid civilization and Chinese society is steadily moving forward.Basically,IRNA holds a positive attitude towards the development of various fields of China.The contributing factors of IRNA's construction of China's national image can be explained as follows:the news practice of journalists is influenced and restricted by media organization;media organization is subject to political and economic systems regulations;and both ideology and national interests are the ultimate goals to serve.Iran's ideology and national interests are the main factors influencing the construction of the image of China in IRNA's reports.The mentality of great power and the psychology of victims have largely affected the construction of the China's national image by the IRNA.The mutual benefits between China and Iran in economic and global issues have also led to a positive image of China in IRNA news reports.