Kazakhstan's media coverage of China: How the Belt and Road Initiative strengthens geopolitical ties

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15549/jeecar.v11i2.1529

Keywords:

China-Kazakhstan, Central Asia, BRI, content analysis, EAEU, SREB

Abstract

This study investigates the portrayal of China in Kazakhstani media, focusing on changes in perceptions before and during the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Through comparative discourse analysis, the research reveals a shift in media narratives from primarily economic and political aspects to a growing emphasis on fostering friendly relations between Kazakhstan and China. The paper also explores how diplomatic relations between the two countries influence media reports about China. Although the findings are specific to Kazakhstan, the study contributes to understanding Central Asian views on China, especially in the context of the BRI and the region's changing geopolitical dynamics. The research suggests a trend toward more positive and neutral coverage of China in Kazakhstani news outlets.

Author Biographies

Ainur Slamgazhy, Astana IT university, Kazakhstan

Ainur Slamgazhy holds a PhD in Media Communication. She received her PhD from the Communication University of China in Beijing. Prior to her doctoral studies, Ainur obtained both her BA and MA degrees from the Publishing Department at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Currently, Ainur is based in Kazakhstan where she serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Creative Industries at Astana IT University.

Ran Liu, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, United States

Dr. Ran Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Marketing department at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). He holds a Ph.D. in Marketing with a minor in International Business from Old Dominion University, and his research focuses on marketing strategy in international business and the role of user-generated content (UGC) in building online relationships. Some of his recent publications appeared in the Journal of Business Research (JBR), Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice (JMTP), International Journal of Electronic Customer Relationship Management (ECRM), and Journal of Eastern Europe and Central Asia Research (JEECAR). Dr. Liu also serves as the Associate Editor (Asia) for JEECAR and as an ad-hoc reviewer for several academic journals, such as the Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice (JMTP), Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, International Journal of Emerging Markets (IJoEM), and IGI Global Publisher of Timely Knowledge.

Zharylkassyn Zhappassov, International Engineering Technological University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Dr. Zharylkassyn Zhappassov is a candidate in Historical Sciences and an associate professor at the International Engineering Technological University, Almaty, Kazakhstan. His research focus is on Kazakhstan's history, international relations, and the perception of the country's image.

Aigerim Tassilova, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Dr. Aigerim Tassilova is a senior lecturer at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, holding a PhD in Journalism from the same institution. Her research interests encompass Public Diplomacy, International Relations, and the shaping of Country Image.

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Published

2024-04-06

How to Cite

Slamgazhy, A., Liu, R., Zhappassov, Z., & Tassilova, A. (2024). Kazakhstan’s media coverage of China: How the Belt and Road Initiative strengthens geopolitical ties. Journal of Eastern European and Central Asian Research (JEECAR), 11(2), 362–376. https://doi.org/10.15549/jeecar.v11i2.1529

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