'Reflexive Expectations' in EU-China Relations: A media analysis approach

Zhang, Li (2016) 'Reflexive Expectations' in EU-China Relations: A media analysis approach. JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies, 54 (2). pp. 463-479. ISSN 1468-5965

Preview

PDF (Version for pure_Reflexive Expectations in EU-China relations) - Accepted Version Download (739kB) | Preview

Abstract

To reverse the downturn in and develop EU–China relations requires mutual understanding. However, the opaque nature of Chinese politics makes it difficult to track China's expectations and its changing views of the EU and their relationship. This paper examines the official Chinese media discourse on the EU's ‘actorness’ and partnership with China. This helps to bridge the gap between international relations and media studies by linking government foreign relations to media discourse. It argues that China's relations with the EU should be characterized neither as a case of a ‘Capability–Expectations Gap’ (Hill, 1993) nor as an ‘Expectation Deficit’ (Tsuruoka, 2008), but should rather be seen as a matter of ‘Reflexive Expectations’ by China. The media analysis shows that China's changing national identity, interests and perception of the EU's capability at various times and in various situations influence expectations.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	european union,china,reflexive expectations,media analysis,national identity
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities > School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies (former - to 2024)
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	05 Feb 2016 08:11
Last Modified:	25 Sep 2024 12:00
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/56948
DOI:	10.1111/jcms.12286

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item