Chinese View of the World in Global Times Caricatures in 2022: Features of Constructing Images and Meanings

Abstract

The article examines the main features of the presentation of the position of the Chinese government on a wide range of issues on the world stage, as well as the specifics of constructing a positive image of the country for the world community in visual materials of the English-language Chinese newspaper Global Times in September-December 2022 (at example of cartoons in the Cartoon section on the publication’s website). The graphic images included in the final sample (101 drawings in total) can be divided into two groups: those dedicated to international issues and those revealing the features of life in modern China. Much attention is paid to the study of the thematic focus of publications and the geography of the event series, the features of their visualization, as well as the analysis of the lexical originality of title complexes, the semantic content of which directly affects the nature of the representation of a figure/event/phenomenon in the media space and their perception by the wider public. mass audience all over the world. One of the emphasis is placed on examining the characteristics of the representation of different countries and regions of the world. The authors concluded that the main object of criticism of the publication is the United States, its hegemony on the world stage and failures in domestic politics. At the same time, the EU countries act as the injured party as a result of US actions in the geopolitical arena. In turn, materials about Chinese life are presented through the prism of a positive, balanced narrative, demonstrating the advantages and features of the Chinese way of life, constructing an image of a harmoniously developing, attractive society.