THE IMAGE OF CHINA IN SUDAN THROUGH THE NON-OFFICIAL MEDIA: SUDAN TRIBUNE CASE STUDY

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the image representation of China in the Sudan non-ofcial media. The study was guided by four research questions which included. This research is purely linked to Framing Theory and will intend to achieve the following goals to probe how China is covered in Sudan through the non-ofcial Media. to nd out if there is any difference in the coverage for Sudan Tribune.to analyse the nature and extent of China-related news coverage in the Sudan non-ofcial local media, to know which themes are dominant in china's representation by Sudan Tribune? To probe Sudan Tribune the portrayal of china's image? Is it positive, negative, or neutral? By using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the researcher investigated the sources of information, the themes, and the tones of the news stories to understand how China was represented. The study showed that the image of China in the Sudan non-ofcial media is a favorable one in Sudan Tribune. The study also found out that the economic image of China is the most predominant one where China is viewed as an economic power and an important player in Sudan's economic growth and international business. Equally, the economic cooperation theme is the predominant theme that frames the image of China in the Sudan non-ofcial media. Although the political theme is also second in line it is not on the fringes of the framing of the image of China in the Sudan media given that it highlights the ever-present issues of changing the status quo of the international inuence in Sudan and the region of Horn Africa.