The Media Mirror Image Of China-South Africa Relationship: Self-cognition And Other's Recognition

National image is not only an important part of national interests,but also an important tool to realize national interests.China attaches importance to shaping the image of overseas countries through media channels,which has also become a part of China’s public diplomacy.The relationship between China and South Africa is of great significance and will affect China-Africa relations.However,at present,less attention is put on the media communication in South Africa,and the communication effect needs to be improved.Therefore,this paper pays attention to the media communication to South Africa in China,and explores the effective way of image communication and development in overseas countries.The main contents of this paper are as follows:(1)Observe the existence and influence of Chinese media in South Africa through the study of the history and present situation of the communication of the mainstream media in China to South Africa.(2)To compare the content of coverage on the issue of China-South Africa relations between 2015 and 2018 in the two mainstream newspapers in China and South Africa(China Daily Africa Weekly and South Africa’s Sunday Times).This paper probes into the reports and characteristics of the representative media of China and South Africa.(3)Based on the above,the problems that may exist in the international communication of Chinese media are analyzed,and some suggestions are given to deal with them.It is found that in recent years,China has obviously increased its attention to the media communication in South Africa,and has also attracted the attention of South Africa and the West.There is no doubt about the efforts of the Chinese media in shaping the positive national image,but there is a problem of insufficient communication power.The media can play a certain role in the improvement of China’s national image in South Africa,but it is relatively limited.To improve the media communication situation in South Africa,we should strengthen communication and cooperation at home and abroad,improve targeted communication,improve the mode of news communication.And give full play to the role of new media to promote the effective play of media communication,in order to achieve a good effect of public diplomacy.