An Exploration of the Coverage of People’s Daily on the “Belt and Road” Initiative-related Issues in Pakistan from a Perspective of Moral Concern and Balance of Interests

Abstract

China-Pakistan relations have been renewed for a long time, especially after the “Belt and Road” initiative and the “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor” were put forward, the cooperation between the two countries has continued to deepen and become more solid. “People's Daily” is best at grasping the situation at home and abroad, and it can also reflect the will of the country, constantly weighing between “morality” and “interest”. Its reports on Pakistan are representative among domestic media. Reports show an irregular trend, with fluctuations and declines. There are various types of reports, but they are mainly news, with the layout at the front. The length is relatively long, and the sources of news are more authoritative. In terms of content, the main body of the report is clear, and the leader’s news accounts for a large proportion. China-Pakistan economic cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor are the main ones, and positive reports are mainly used. There are more neutral and negative reports in social news. In the cultural field, education exchanges and Youth exchanges are the main focus, and the military field is mainly military cooperation and counter-terrorism. Relevant reporting can also increase the amount of in-depth reporting, provide diversity information, and focus more on cultural reporting.