Discourse on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Print Media: The Case Study of American and Indian Press

Abstract

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a project between China and Pakistan on economic and geo-strategic grounds. This research examines the news reports, editorials and opinions of the leading American and Indian English newspapers. The contents of these newspapers were analyzed qualitatively to find out as to how print media frames the projects of CPEC from 20 th August, 2018 to 19 th August, 2019. The unified posture of news reporting is identified in all selected dailies of both countries. Reinforcement of negative stance taken by the Indian and American newspapers through their contents shapes public opinion around the world in general and in their countries in particular in accordance with the policies of their governments. America has also opposed the China's investment in CPEC projects to confront Chinese economic supremacy, particularly in South Asian region. The analyses of selected newspapers suggested also an image of what media frame and projects an issue to the world.

Indian Inclusion in CPEC: A Path to Indo-Pak Threat Reduction via Complex Interdependence

“…Since India is deprived of a counter strategy, so all she has come down to is initiate harmful activities to slander the BRI and for which there are no buyer of this malign propaganda internationally' (Sachdeva, 2018). The Indian mainstream newspapers and TV news channels are telling their audience the Pakistani government's strategies for the CPEC in their own perception (biased) rather than telling them the facts and positive outcomes of this project (Adnan, 2018). The ratio of negative coverage in the period of 2016 to 2017 when it was the hot and debatable topic, is more as compared to the positive coverage of CPEC project and Pak-China friendship.…”

“…Pakistan and China relations are a result of an agreement to defy the Indian hegemony in South Asia as CPEC route is in the proximity to Kashmir valley, and this venture has measured an infringement of the Indian integrity about its terrain. China and Pakistan share several strategic interests against India, which could manipulate the peace in Southeast Asia if the project is accomplished lucratively (Adnan, 2018).…”