Crossroads of Belt and Road Initiative: The image framing of China in Nepali print media

Crossroads of Belt and Road Initiative: The image framing of China in Nepali print media | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Crossroads of Belt and Road Initiative: The image framing of China in Nepali print media Dipak Devkota, Yonghong Dai, Lok Bahadur B.K., Ashok Poudel This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6380233/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 13 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This paper examines the image of China and BRI reflected in the three Nepalese domestic print media, based on 215 contents published from 14 March 2017 to 16 July 2017, following a mixed-method approach. The findings are based on content analysis: this paper found that the image of China during the period was positive (39%) with a lower percentage of negative tones (28%) reflected in news, editorials, opinions, remarks, and interviews. The subject areas of infrastructure, development, and economic prosperity dominated the positive tones. Based on media framing theory, the results highlight five key elements: 1) The political image is to some "sceptical but prominent" friends; 2) China's economic image is framed as a “friend in weal and woe” for economic growth of Nepal; 3) the infrastructure and development image is framed as “foremost for renaissance of Nepal and South Asia”; 4) they portray the strategic aspect as “attentive yet non-aggressive”; 5) they portray cultural exchanges as fruitful and bonding. Finally, due to political parallelism, media outlets shape the images of China and BRI differently yet in similar ways. Humanities/Cultural and media studies Social science/Politics and international relations Figures Figure 1 Introduction The Nepal-China relationship is important for Nepal’s current foreign policies in the context of international politics. Located between two major powers, China and India, Nepal has maintained vibrant relations with China, contributing to its domestic political stability. Nepal’s relations with its neighbours have become important even after the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Following the recent political changes in Nepal, the perception of China has become increasingly prominent. This study employs a framing perspective to scrutinize the presentation of China's image in the Nepalese press. Recent trends in communication tools include virtual and digital forms, which are swift and influential for urban people. However, print media also plays a significant role in shaping people's perceptions and frames in various social, political, economic, cultural, and scientific development contexts. Prior to the formal establishment of their relationship on 1 August 1955, Nepal and China possessed deeply ingrained cultural values, rooted in their pre-established historical and legendary friendly relations (Shrestha, 2015 ). During the Shah dynasty, Nepal experienced frequent fluctuations in its relations with China, India, and the US. When the Rana oligarchy came to power, the relation with the northern part was in shadow because of the British colony and their inclination with them (Pokharel, 2011 ). Because of the ‘unofficial embargo’ by India after the new constitution promulgation in 2015, bilateral agreements with China had increased to overcome the condition of using the northern neighbour as a balance card with other countries and to break the unilateral dependence. Essentially, Nepal needs to endorse a ’balance of power’ between its two neighbours, but to some extent, by leaning on one side or on card-playing ‘game theory’, Nepal is unsuccessful achieving its substantial development (Sapkota, 2013 ). But, transforming political tensions into physical infrastructures, the Nepalese state has time and again strategically managed and leveraged Cold War and contemporary geopolitics into foreign aid and development funding (Paudel & Billon, 2018; Rose, 1971 ). In this regard, Nepalese leaders, including the former King Mahendra and, more recently, multiple leaders of Nepal's Communist parties and Democrats, have routinely engaged with Delhi and Beijing to complete various road development and infrastructure projects in different borderland regions. China is implementing a number of developmental and diplomatic initiatives that are bringing various countries together, including Nepal. In 2013, Chinese President Xi proposed an integrated concept known as OBOR, which later evolved into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) (Xi, 2014 , pp. 463, 470). China intends to connect with Southeast and South Asia, Central Asia, Pacific Oceania, Africa, and Europe through this grand initiative, which comprises various routes by sea and land (Bhattarai, 2019 ). Policymakers, scholars, and countries, including Nepal, have shown significant interest in the potentially game-changing initiative known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Early in 2014, the Nepal government embraced the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative (MoFA, 2015 ) with substantial interest. Nepal has demonstrated its readiness to work in cooperation with China to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, trade, energy, and tourism sectors, ultimately fostering regional harmony, peace, and development (MoFA, 2015 ). The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has provided Nepal with an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with China and enhance its own development. This initiative has changed China’s image in Nepal and among Nepalese people. Consequently, there hasn't been much systematic research on how the Nepalese press presents the image of China in Nepal, particularly during the period when the two countries inked the Belt and Road Initiative in May 2017. The research questions are formulated as: What was the tendency of print media regarding image of China in that time span? Why do privately owned media outlets in Nepal portray China in such a way? These questions remain adequately addressed. This paper examines these questions through a framing analysis that combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Many scholars and theorists have studied the influence of media on political and economic change and its social and psychological impact in contemporary society (Botan, 2010 ). With a particular focus on social, economic, political, and cultural aspects at the national and people's level, this paper aims to investigate how Nepal's domestic print media reflects China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), both before and after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May 2017. Thus, this paper is significant for understanding and building opinion in a regional landscape and geographical manner, which becomes important for public opinion and for understanding China’s real image in neighbouring countries. Image of the country The image of one individual, group, organization, nation, and its people are a conception made by other individuals, groups, organizations, nations. It also differs by individual, group, organization, nation, and so on across time and space. In the field of public relations, Kunczik ( 2002 ) has defined national image as the cognitive representation of what an individual believes about a nation and its people, which is dependent on the media’s reporting of the image of a country or a culture that is predominated (p. 4). Media has therefore become one of the important mechanisms of creating an image of any country and its people, including people at individual and group levels. In the marketing field, scholars are primarily interested in consumers' cognitive beliefs and brand attitudes toward products. Because it is impossible to ascertain the true quality of an unknown product, consumers may turn to the image of a country to estimate its quality (Huber & McCann, 1982 ). Many communication scholars assert that profit (Perse, 1998 ; Shoemaker et al., 1986 ), commodities (Hawak, 1992, cited in Atadoga, 2020 ), and state interests (Riffe, 1996 ) influence the selection of news in media coverage. In the interdependency context, international news and issues significantly shape the perception and opinion of a country, while domestic news coverage significantly shapes people's opinions (Lippmann, 1922, cited in Turcsanyi & Kachlikova, 2020 ). Perry ( 1990 ) as well as Salwen and Matera ( 1992 ) assert that the media's perspective on news can significantly influence a nation. Before 1990, people would often attribute something's cheapness and lack of durability to its Chinese origin. In the Nepali language, there was a proverb that said, " Made in China, Aaja chha bholi chhaina ," which translates to "Made in China, works today but not for tomorrow." However, if you observe a new and innovative product in the market, it's undeniable that China is the manufacturer. Therefore, markets and commodities that are produced to export to other countries replicate the image of such countries. Then, images of country influences product attribute evaluations directly affect consumer attitudes towards country brands rather than indirectly (Han, 1989 ; Wright, 1975 ). Press plays a major role in teaching South Africans how to understand and interpret the world. However, if this interpretation of the world is fundamentally flawed, the media cannot serve as a mirror of it, maintain its independence, or serve as a patron of truth (Biney, 1997 ). Studies have demonstrated that the media play a significant influence on individual’s perceptions of foreign nations and that perceptions as well as assessments predominantly depend on media coverage in the absence of first-hand experience with that nation (Wang et al., 2008 ). According to He et al. ( 2012 ), a country image is often driven by the inquiry of how such an image influences people’s attitude toward a particular country in terms of its politics, culture, and history and how such an image affects policy and decision makers. Belt and Road Initiative: World and Nepal Chinese President Xi anticipated building a land-based ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’ (SREB) and a sea-based ‘21st Century Maritime Silk Road’ (MSR), which were supposed to connect China to Africa and Europe through the land and sea (Xi, 2014 ). Later known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it embodied the fundamental principle of 'planning together, building together, and benefiting together' (Xi, 2018 ). Since 2013, BRI has attracted worldwide attentiveness and massively influenced humans because of its major goals, i.e., policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unrestricted trade, financial integration, and people-to-people relations (cited in Niu & Relly, 2021 ). As the implementation of BRI takes shape, global scholars and countries are debating this massive initiative from various angles. Although BRI asserts its status as an international initiative, bilateral agreements often facilitate its implementation. However, scholars have been interpreting the BRI differently in various areas and aspects. This initiative focuses on mega-project-based physical infrastructure projects that often have geopolitical implications (Flint and Zhu, 2019 ; Li, 2020 ). Murton & Lord ( 2020 ) reported that international media outlets have covered the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) due to concerns about China's peaceful rise, historical orientalist prejudices, and the struggle for a new global order in the emerging global era. From an economic perspective, China views the BRI as a means to enhance its economic growth and exports while also fostering economic development in participating countries (Zhang et al., 2021 ). From the perspective of interconnection and cooperation, the Belt and Road Initiative serves as a tool for global economic development and the world's largest connectivity infrastructure project (Chung, 2018 ; Mengzi, 2019 ). Among partnering countries, it serves as an initiative for economic development, prosperity, and friendship and is also considered a crucial national strategy (Du and Zhang, 2018 ). Not only does the Belt and Road Initiative, but any major project or proposal and its implementation, inherently carry deep social, economic, and political implications. Teo et al. ( 2019 ) pointed out that BRI projects are likely to bring significant benefits of improved infrastructure and services without affecting environmental and social protection. According to the State Council of the People's Republic of China, it advocates tolerance among citizens, respects the paths and modes of development chosen by different countries, and supports dialogue among different civilizations on the principle of seeking common ground while reducing differences and drawing on each other’s strengths so that each country can coexist in peace for common prosperity (cited in Adhikari, 2018 , p. 44). Therefore, the world views the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a multifaceted mega initiative that garners global attention. Not only is the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) a contentious issue among scholars across the globe, but major countries also hold varying perceptions and positions regarding the BRI and China. Mostly, the US and India perceive and articulate the geopolitical strategic (Cai, 2020 ) calculation, presenting BRI as an economic interest of China with over-lending standard projects (Yang and Gorp, 2021 ). However, China's geopolitical considerations have created business opportunities for the UK and Australia. From the regional perspective, Freeman ( 2018 ) criticized the BRI as a multi-dimensional conception of security best examined through a political economy lens and through various trajectories to advance China’s power and influence. China has been asserting extensive consultation, joint contribution, shared benefits, and the project of the century (Xi, 2018 ). Furthermore, Chinese President Xi has portrayed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a concrete project that will support the 'Asia Dream.' This project not only bolsters China's aspiration to foster win-win cooperation and outcomes with its Asian neighbours but also contributes to the reduction of the infrastructure gap as projected by ADB (Callahan, 2016 ). Different countries perceive, juxtapose, and interpret the BRI initiative differently, and they also implement it in their own unique ways. Nepal has been a part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for seven years, having signed an MOU with China on 12 May 2017 and made the framework agreement as well. Before the MoU, Nepal had signed an initial agreement principally in 2014; later, OBOR was promulgated by Chinese President Xi Jinping (Setopati, 2017, cited in Chand, 2023 , p. 42). Many Nepali scholars say that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) offers great chance in areas like as agriculture, livestock, and tourism (Adhikari, 2018 ); investment, job creation, and transportation; enhancing people-to-people exchange (Shrerstha, 2018 ); reducing reliance on India (Prasai, 2023 ); and challenging India's hegemony on Nepal's global connectivity (Khadka, 2019 ), despite the challenges posed by geopolitical complexities. The announcement to join the BRI was enthusiastic, but the necessary preparations fell short in the latter part in Nepal. Furthermore, BRI in Nepal encourages a symbol of economic progress, assurances of connectivity, consolidation of political stability, as well as balance in its foreign relations in the context of South Asia (Prappacher, 2020 ). Thus, China’s BRI seems to play a vital role in extending Nepal’s economic benefits while symbolically balancing Nepal’s dependence on India. The study of media materials from various countries, and continents and the world portray the image of BRI and China in diverse ways. However, researchers still need to explore and explain the challenge of implementing the BRI in underdeveloped countries and how it affected the appearance of key print media during that period. This paper is part of a larger study on China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which specifically focuses on how China's image reflects in major print media in Nepal, using a framing perspective from the MoU for the BRI in 2017. Theoretical approach The sociologist Goffman ( 1974 ) commenced the concept of framing, which has given numerous researchers from various disciplines the chance to analyse a wide range of perspectives, demonstrating its significance in social science research (Entman, 1993 ; Gitlin, 2003 ; Gorp, 2007 ; Reese, 2007 ). Regarding media studies, the main premise of framing theory is that issues can be viewed from different perspectives and understand which aspects are emphasized to influence the general public for important values or decisions or to draw attention to matters of public concern. According to Entman ( 1993 ), in political communication, news framing elucidates certain forms of content and events, or aspects of reality, in an attractive, meaningful, and memorable way for the audience. For those, the news media pick and explore only designed content, images, logic, and facts of events and an issue with the selection and salience involvement (p. 52). According to Gamson ( 1988 ) and Pan & Kosicki ( 1993 ), media narratives, i.e., news and other content framing, play a weighty role in persuading people about specific issues and influencing their opinion-making process. This suggests that the media can significantly stimulate the framing of exclusive images and the portrayal of any object, individual, state, and so on, thereby neutering attitudes toward issues, events, or initiatives on a wider scale. Furthermore, the mass media can strongly influence perceptions about events if an audience has no direct experience of the event and does not share similar cultural values to the protagonists involved (Philo, 1994 , p. 30). So, news framing is the process whereby media outlets and conglomerates outline and create political issues and public debates. According to McQuail ( 2010 ), framing theory consists of the formation and dissemination of frames through diverse outlets and the process of influencing the evaluative orientation of targeted audiences. According to the framing theory, media persons and journalists typically create and formalize an issue within a familiar frame, a latent motive, and other concerted influences on people or audiences (Chang, 2008 , p. 5). However, according to Van Dijk ( 1985 ), the ideology or political inclination of journalists and news presenters influences the news content in mass and print media by their framing perspective. Framing has been called a paradigm (Entman, 1993 ), a mode of media effect (Pride et al., 1997 ), a theory (Entman, 1993 ; Scheufele, 1999 ), an approach, a process (McLeod & Detenber, 1999 ), an analysis (Endress, 2004 ), and a principle (Reese, 2007 ). Framing theory, in essence, guides the presentation of a subject to an audience and shapes their decision-making in processing the presented information. Frames are notions that work to consolidate the latent meaning of disseminated contents covered in different media. The media houses and journalists use framing by expressing and assigning specific language and characteristics to people, actions, or ideas (Kuypers, 2010 ). Reese ( 2007 ) asserts that the organization of frames promotes their latent meaning, not their specific ones, through an interpretative approach that captures a more dynamic meaning and a broader definition of frames. Thus, this research aims to scrutinize the framing of China's image in the three Nepali-language legacy presses, a phenomenon that manifests in specific stories but transcends the scope of particular issues and actors. Methods This study employs a mixed research method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. In the first step, researchers applied quantitative content analysis, selecting a sample of news (NWS), opinions (OPI), remarks (REM), interviews (INT), and editorials (EDI) from three major Nepali-language legacy newspapers in Nepal to examine the frame tone of China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in areas such as political, economic, infrastructure development, strategic, cultural exchange, and miscellaneous aspects. In the second step, researchers conducted an interpretative analysis of the frame across various subjects, based on the stories included in the content analysis of those five aspects. The sample were selected from three newspapers for the quantitative content analysis, which took place from March16, 2017 to July 16, 2017. It was purposefully chosen to have a four-month limit for the media content because Nepal and China signed the BRI MOU on 12 May 2017. Based on purposive sampling, the three newspapers selected as the subjects of this research were Kantipur National Daily (KND), Naya Patrika National Daily (NPND), and Annapurna Post Daily (APND). Kantipur National Daily (KND), Naya Patrika National Daily (NPND), and Annapurna Post Daily (APND) are well-established newspapers, widely regarded for their unique perspectives on Nepalese political elites, and they receive significantly higher readership than other newspapers (Kaustubha et al., 2016 ). Second, people widely read the three newspapers with the highest circulation rates: KND with 453,000 copies, NPND with 275,000 copies, and APND with around 250,000 copies. Although they do not fully represent the country's newspaper industry, they cover a broad spectrum of the Nepalese press beyond the government-controlled media. Researchers used two external research assistants to code these research-worthy items. Two researchers independently coded 10% (215) of the items for the co-coder reliability test. Researcher found the reliability coefficient in the subject area and framing orientation tone to be 0.82 and 0.86, respectively, with an average coefficient of 0.84. As part of the interpretive analysis, Researchers looked at the combined frames in the different areas to see how important the issues were, what their undertones were, how they related to each other, and how they leaned toward explicit and implicit moral perspectives. Each major aspects were particularly scrutinized exemplars to deduce the general perceptions of China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) across various domains, including political, economic, infrastructure development, strategic, cultural exchange, and other aspects. Results, discussions, and findings The data from the content analysis shows that Nepali-language legacy printing newspapers demoted their coverage of China and BRI to their political, infrastructure & development, and strategic aspect in different categories of items like news, opinions, remarks, and editorials (Table 1). Table 1 Total newspaper and categories of content N/C NWS EDI OPI REM/INT NPND 18 (48.6%) 1 (2.7%) 12 (32.4%) 6 (16.2%) KND 54 (58.1%) 1 (1.1%) 22 (23.7%) 14 (17.2%) APND 42 (49.4%) 3 (3.5%) 21 (24.7%) 19 (22.4) Total 114 5 55 41 Source: Computed from the contents of the print media, 2024. Based on the keywords 'China' and 'OBOR' or 'BRI,' KND published the most content, accounting for 43 percent (93), while NPND significantly contributed the least, with 17 percent (37), and APND contributed 40 percent (85) in their print paper during the four months in 2017 that preceded and followed May 12, the signing of the MOU between Nepal and China for the Belt and Road Initiative. Three newspapers published 215 news items, accounting for 53 percent (114) of the total. Of these, 26 percent were opinion pieces, 19 percent featured remarks from leaders, experts, or officials about China and the BRI, and 2 percent featured editorials. Tone evaluation of headlines of media contents Based on the subjects presented in newspaper headlines, the positive tone accounted for 39 percent, the highest percentage among 215 contents, with a difference of approximately 5 percent between positive, neutral, and negative tones. Three newspapers published only 28 percent of the negative tone content (Fig. 1). Bleich et al. (2018) conducted a headline tone analysis, using the formula net tone = (positive tone - negative tone)/total headlines, resulting in a net tone range of -1 to + 1 and a neutral tone of 0. The sets of headlines exhibit positive, neutral, and negative tones when the results of the net tone analysis fall within the ranges of 0 and + 1, 0, and − 1, respectively. From table 2, the net tone for three privately owned domestic media outlets is positive (0 to + 1). Table 2. Net tone analysis T/N NPND No % KND No % APND No % Positive 19 51 35 38 30 35 Neutral 10 27 33 35 27 32 Negative 8 22 25 27 28 33 Total 37 17.2 93 43.2 85 39.5 Net tone 0.29 0.11 0.02 Source: Computed from contents gathered and categorized from print media, 2024. However, when researchers broke down the thematic areas to examine the giving space and tone that politically framed contents yield 25 percent, followed by inf &Dev aspect, strategic aspect framed contents at 23 percent respectively, economics aspect at 17 percent, and cultural and other subjects accounted for less than 10 percent (as shown in table 4). Those three print media houses had portrayed political (-0.02), strategic (-0.27), and cultural (-0.18) aspects slightly negatively, whereas remaining aspects are positive in net tone appraisal. Furthermore, from the chi-square test (P < 0.05(0.008) shown that there are strong association between their subject area and tone of three print media. However, the overall subject areas and tones are positive (0.10), as shown in table 3. Table 4. Subject areas and tone of newspaper contents SA/NT NPND KND APND RT Positive Neutral Negative % Pol. 10 22 21 53 17 18 18 25 Eco. 8 16 13 37 23 7 7 17 Inf &Dev 8 22 19 49 28 12 9 23 Strategic 7 18 24 49 8 20 21 23 Cult. 1 10 5 16 7 6 3 7 Misc. 3 5 3 11 1 7 3 5 CT 37 93 85 215 84 (39%) 70 (33%) 61 (28%) X 2 = 30.14, Df = 10, P < 0.05(0.008) Source: Computed from contents gathered and categorized from print media, 2024. The images of China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can be expressed in a comparative manner, based on the news and tones reflected in print media. Researchers can also discuss the reflection of images by examining the relationship between various dimensions and tones in the print media. Images of China and BRI: Comparative analysis The three Nepali language-legacy newspapers differed significantly in how they framed China and the Belt and Road Initiative. KND had published 43.3 percent of the contents, which is the highest frequency among the three newspaper dailies, whereas APND had 39.5 percent and NPND had only 17.2 percent (see in table 2). But, in the NPND (the second-largest paper in terms of circulating pieces), more than half of the contents (51 percent) were in a positive frame, whereas the other two had one-third (KND = 38 percent, APND = 35 percent) of the total frame orientation. One reason for the least amount of published material but the most positive orientation is the editorial-publisher relationship. However, APND has contributed the highest negative tone (33 percent) to the overall content. Schudson, (1989) asserts that conglomerates and hierarchies of media institutions govern or relate to studies of news making as a reality-constructing activity. Furthermore, NPND prioritized political issues at a rate of 27 percent; KND organized infrastructure and development at a rate of 2 percent and political issues at a rate of 24 percent, while APND concentrated on strategic subjects and frames in her publications at a rate of 28 percent. But those three papers structured and portrayed almost the same percentage of development and infrastructure-building issues related to China (Table 5). Table 5 Comparison of newspaper tone in different frames NPND (%) KND (%) APND (%) Total 17.2% (37) 43.3% (93) 39.5% (85) Frame Political 27% (10) 24% (22) 25% (21) Economic 22% (8) 17% (16) 15% (13) Inf &Dev 22% (8) 24% (22) 22% (19) Strategic 19% (7) 19% (18) 28% (24) Cultural 3% (1) 11% (10) 6% (5) Misc. 8% (3) 5% (5) 4% (3) Tone Positive 51% (19) 38% (35) 35% (30) Neutral 27% (10) 35% (33) 32% (27) Negative 22% (8) X 2 = 2.83, df = 4, p = 0.09 27% (25) X 2 = 0.13, df = 4, p = 0.71 33% (28) X 2 = 1.14, df = 4, p = 0.23 Source: Computed from contents gathered and categorized from print media, 2024. The numerical data, presented in tables and charts, provides some micro-level insights into the Nepalese major print media's coverage of various issues related to China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which are perceived as fragmented subject matters of countries' images. Based on the quantitative findings, we did an interpretive analysis of all the stories, pointing out themes that were common and giving example to show how these frame works (Table 4 and Table 5). Political aspect The presentation of politically framed content was less positive than that of neutral and negative frames. A Nepali newspaper portrayed China in a somewhat sceptical light. The political context frames China as a power that lacks understanding of the political system yet shows interest in Nepal's internal politics. People perceive China as a welcoming and friendly country, yet they are concerned about the country's political stability. Some examples of positively framed political content were China’s activities in Nepal and the Nepalese prime minister’s visits to China, where, after the devastating earthquake in 2015, the Chinese ambassador of China to Nepal, Yu Hong, was quoted as saying ‘China will stand with the Nepali people in whatever situation in the future’ in Kantipur Daily on April 23, 2017. Similarly, the then-prime minister of Nepal, Prachanda, made a political statement at the airport upon his return from a visit to China, framing the content as 'understanding the level of trust between the two countries and their obstacles.' (2017, March 30 NPND). On the negative tone of the political content, the newspaper contents were usually open and critical. NPND published an article written by Rajeshwar Acharya about the Prime Minister's visit to China and the commitment to the One China Policy. Nepal should not think only of our neighbours and friendly countries and repeat Nepal's policy towards that country. (2017, March 31, NPND). Thus, these contents portrayed China as the ‘sceptical but prominent’ friend for Nepal. Economic aspect After the ‘unofficial embargo’ made by the southern neighbour, the mainstream contents were published about the economic benefits of BRI, the BOAO forum, and China’s investments in Nepal. Overall, 62% (out of 37) of the economy-related content focused on China's economy, poverty alleviation, and the economic significance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Nepal's domestic economy, all with positive messages and connotations. For example, the news published in the APND economic page (Ka) on June 20, 2017, said the China-led newly established infrastructure and development bank assured us it would invest 125 billion in different projects in Nepal for economic sustainability, and in NPND on June 15, 2017, it said Chinese investors were attracted to the hospitality industry and committed to invest more than three billion. However, an article by Lawrence Summers (copied from the Washington Post) titled "China's Major Economic Challenges," published in Nayapatrika Daily on June 21, 2017, asserted that the policy-making process of China is hindering the success of its economy. Regardless the contents, whether positive or negative, these newspapers slip up and portray China as a ‘friend in weal and woe’ for Nepal's economic prosperity. Infrastructural and developmental aspects Together with the advancement of technology, countries are improving their infrastructure and development status. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in 2015, the issue of infrastructure and development became increasingly pressing in Nepal. During this period, three newspapers carried major stories on China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with only KND showing a slight increase compared to the other two. China and BRI, including an industrial park in Nepal and connectivity between two countries and South Asia, constituted more than 57 percent of all infrastructure and development content, with significant positive implications. For instance, an article by Shreenath Raghwan, which appeared in NPND on April 8, 2017, suggested that not only Nepal but also India should be involved in the BRI. Because Asian economies have endured massive changes, isolation from the long-term and real impact issues of OBOR has deprived them of opportunities to expand in Asia. Similarly, this paper praised Chinese President Xi's remarks about the BRI, highlighting its potential for fraternity and development (June 7, 2017, in Kantipur). Conversely, certain articles received negative attention, including one by Geja Sharma Wagle, which asserted that the OBOR is not just an initiative for economic development but also a means of expanding trade and engaging in proactive diplomacy with strategic goals (2017, May 21, KND). In summary, the data suggests that the BRI and modern China are at the forefront of bringing about a renaissance in Nepal and South Asia. Strategic aspect In the context of today’s modern global world, countries frame their own strategy for their survival and existence. Such a strategic plan guides China's current strategy to a significant extent. One of the most prominent aspects of media coverage was the strategic frame to portray China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but the content tended to be less positive (16 percent among 49 items) and more neutral and negative. The geographical space of Nepal is a geostrategic location because the world’s major powers have always been engaging in it different interests. Example of a negatively connotated article published in APND on May 2, 2017: In APND, K.P. Bhattarai focused on the fact that when a large initiative is run by a single country and structure, there is a possibility that it will spread negative hatred in the future. Contrarily, Homnath Dahal’s written article published on April 17, 2017, in APND said the railway link from China to Lumbini will open an alternative way for Nepal to connect to the world, but India doesn’t want this plan to be fulfilled due to its instability mentality. Overall, most of the issues dealt with China-India rivalry, China’s strategic steps and intention toward the world and Nepal revealed the image of an ‘attentive but not aggressive’ manner. Cultural and miscellaneous aspect Cultural relations and the image of any country with another country are important to understanding bilateral and multilateral relations among countries. The cultural aspect, accounting for 7 percent of the major 6 aspects of China and BRI-related content, received the least attention, followed by miscellaneous aspect contents at 5 percent. Overall, the coverage of cultural aspects was positive, while the coverage of miscellaneous content was mostly neutral. The coverage of cultural subject contents focused mainly on tourism, digital technology, education, entertainment, and sports in China. Harish Pokharel's article, which appeared in NPND on April 21, 2017, asserted that Nepal can gain valuable insights from China's preservation of historical cultural and heritage sites, particularly in relation to society's modernization. Furthermore, researchers need to learn not only about the politics and development of China but also about its diverse cultural melting pot (April 8, 2017, Kantipur). However, certain topics, such as 'American Dream of Chinese Youth' (April 9, 2017, Kantipur), demonstrate that the Chinese in the new generation have a stronger attachment to the Western nation than to themselves. This elucidates the cultural and miscellaneous image that is revealed as 'fruitful and bonding in exchange' for each other. Conclusion and implications Historical and cultural ties extend beyond the diplomatic relations established centuries ago. The majority of Nepalese citizens embrace positive views toward China and express enthusiasm for economic and infrastructure development in Nepal. When Nepal became a part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it did not encounter narratives that suggested a potential "debt trap." However, the media and media houses expressed concern about the geopolitical constraints imposed by the world's major powers. They illustrated how three major Nepalese newspapers formed and understood China's image in the context of the BRI Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nepal and China, using a news framing approach. Despite the current situation, the progress of BRI implementation in Nepal is sluggish, but the overall coverage of China and BRI in those papers is relatively positive and favourable. These media outlets portray China as a mixture of optimism and fear at the same time. However, the frequency of featured content in these three newspapers varies. Due to the lack of a dedicated news reporter and department to deal with international actors, the domestic political reporter is tasked with handling news from China, which may not be appropriate for their size. These newspapers concentrate on four primary areas: politics, economics, infrastructure and development, and strategic propaganda. Other newspapers have shown less willingness to provide space for dissemination in the targeted country, likely due to their own interests. Several factors have contributed to the portrayal of these aspects in the framing process. The foremost factor is the collaborative historical relationship between Nepal and China. All those outlets consistently maintained a positive tone, avoiding extreme criticism. However, the ownership of these three Nepalese print media outlets, primarily focused on profit and sustainability, leads them to prioritize different aspects of content. During that timeframe, barely five editorial items were published; even among them, it was established that BRI should be implemented without strategic apprehensions. News media have grown accustomed to their party's ideological guidelines, which align with either liberal or communist philosophy, and both media and journalists maintain direct or indirect connections with political parties (K.C., 2019). The next factor to consider is Nepal's geographical isolation. After the unofficial embargo in 2015, Nepal founded itself compelled to make traversal an alternative way of connecting with the world. To fulfil this obligation, the contents of these media outlets have shifted to a positive portrayal of China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is expected to open the northern gateway for Nepal to access the entire world. However, these newspapers have presented two faces of the image of China: One is impartial, non-interfering, and friendly in weal and woe, prominent and amicable in economic and infrastructure development, as well as never interested in Nepal's internal politics. On the other hand, China, as a rising superpower, is gradually becoming visible and attentive to domestic affairs in Nepal. Despite various doubts and scepticism, the Nepalese side ultimately believes that such a project can positively benefit Nepal and its society by fostering holistic development and harmonious relations with a peacefully rising China. Because of BRI the massive attention to public in Nepal has been creating with sleeping giant neighbour China. Before the BRI, Nepali people perceive only foremost neighbour with steadily developing with communist path. But after this diverse form of image has been created through the media and other spectacular platform. Conceivably, In Nepal, since 1950, the political system and the nature of the state have been largely related to the Western political dimension. Along with that, the developed media has also been influenced by different ideologies. Although the philosophy, system, socio-economic basis is different, in the context of BRI, the media, the owners of the media houses, whether they are supporters or opponents, do not seem to be in a position to ignore the economic and development path of BRI. However, they seem to be trying to obscure it by raising the context of geopolitics and transparency. Conclusion and implications Historical and cultural ties extend beyond the diplomatic relations established centuries ago. The majority of Nepalese citizens embrace positive views toward China and express enthusiasm for economic and infrastructure development in Nepal. When Nepal became a part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it did not encounter narratives that suggested a potential "debt trap." However, the media and media houses expressed concern about the geopolitical constraints imposed by the world's major powers. They illustrated how three major Nepalese newspapers formed and understood China's image in the context of the BRI Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nepal and China, using a news framing approach. Despite the current situation, the progress of BRI implementation in Nepal is sluggish, but the overall coverage of China and BRI in those papers is relatively positive and favourable. These media outlets portray China as a mixture of optimism and fear at the same time. However, the frequency of featured content in these three newspapers varies. Due to the lack of a dedicated news reporter and department to deal with international actors, the domestic political reporter is tasked with handling news from China, which may not be appropriate for their size. These newspapers concentrate on four primary areas: politics, economics, infrastructure and development, and strategic propaganda. Other newspapers have shown less willingness to provide space for dissemination in the targeted country, likely due to their own interests. Several factors have contributed to the portrayal of these aspects in the framing process. The foremost factor is the collaborative historical relationship between Nepal and China. All those outlets consistently maintained a positive tone, avoiding extreme criticism. However, the ownership of these three Nepalese print media outlets, primarily focused on profit and sustainability, leads them to prioritize different aspects of content. During that timeframe, barely five editorial items were published; even among them, it was established that BRI should be implemented without strategic apprehensions. News media have grown accustomed to their party's ideological guidelines, which align with either liberal or communist philosophy, and both media and journalists maintain direct or indirect connections with political parties (K.C., 2019). The next factor to consider is Nepal's geographical isolation. After the unofficial embargo in 2015, Nepal founded itself compelled to make traversal an alternative way of connecting with the world. To fulfil this obligation, the contents of these media outlets have shifted to a positive portrayal of China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is expected to open the northern gateway for Nepal to access the entire world. However, these newspapers have presented two faces of the image of China: One is impartial, non-interfering, and friendly in weal and woe, prominent and amicable in economic and infrastructure development, as well as never interested in Nepal's internal politics. On the other hand, China, as a rising superpower, is gradually becoming visible and attentive to domestic affairs in Nepal. Despite various doubts and scepticism, the Nepalese side ultimately believes that such a project can positively benefit Nepal and its society by fostering holistic development and harmonious relations with a peacefully rising China. Because of BRI the massive attention to public in Nepal has been creating with sleeping giant neighbour China. Before the BRI, Nepali people perceive only foremost neighbour with steadily developing with communist path. But after this diverse form of image has been created through the media and other spectacular platform. Conceivably, In Nepal, since 1950, the political system and the nature of the state have been largely related to the Western political dimension. Along with that, the developed media has also been influenced by different ideologies. Although the philosophy, system, socio-economic basis is different, in the context of BRI, the media, the owners of the media houses, whether they are supporters or opponents, do not seem to be in a position to ignore the economic and development path of BRI. However, they seem to be trying to obscure it by raising the context of geopolitics and transparency. Declarations Author Contribution Devkota, Dipak designed the study, reviewed the literature, conducted data analysis, and prepared and revised the manuscript. Dai, Yonghong oversaw the research and has given a guiding force throughout the study. His oversight, direction, and substantial intellectual contribution to the study design and execution warrant recognition according to the authorship criteria. LBB participated for data collection, sorting data and AP played a pivotal role in cleaning data, and manuscript proofreading. All authors have contributed to and approved the final manuscript. Data Availability The data gathered for this research was obtained from three media house as physical copies. The newspaper data is still being utilized for further analysis. Additionally, the datasets generated and analyzed during the current study can be obtained from the corresponding authors upon reasonable request. References Adhikari, A. (2018). Belt and Road Initiative and Nepal’s Economic Perspective: Regionality and Specificity. Kathmandu School of Law Review , 6 (1), 41–52. https://doi.org/10.46985/jms.v6i1.947 Atadoga, A. S. (2020). Western Media Coverage of International News: A Content Analysis of Associated Press coverage of Africa [University of Northern Iowa]. https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/1060 Bhattarai, D. (2019). Understanding the Belt and Road Initiative. Journal of APF Command and Staff College . Biney, A. (1997). The Western Media and Africa: Issues of information and images. Interstate-Journal of Internatioanl Affairs , 1996/1997 (2), 2–21. Botan, M. (2010). New Perspectives on the Study of Political Communication. Romanian Journal of Communication and Public Relations , 12 (3), 9–20. Cai, K. G. (2020). The One Belt One Road and The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: Beijing’s New Strategy of Geoeconomics and Geopolitics. In S. Zhao (Ed.), China’s New Global Strategy (p. 220). Routledge. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429317002 Callahan, W. A. (2016). China’s ‘Asia Dream’: The Belt Road Initiative and the new regional order. Asian Journal of Comparative Politics , 1 (3), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/2057891116647806 Chand, H. P. (2023). Dilemmas, Debates, and Development of BRI in the Himalayan Nation: A Nepali Perspective. Journal of Foreign Affairs , 3 (01), 34–48. https://doi.org/10.3126/jofa.v3i01.56508 Chang, Y. (2008). Framing China: How U. S. media Reported Eight U. S. State Visits by Top Chinese Leaders . Iowa State University. Chung, C. P. (2018). What Are the Strategic and Economic Implications for South Asia of China’s Maritime Silk Road Initiative? The Pacific Review , 31 (3), 315–332. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/09512748.2017.1375000 Du, J., & Zhang, Y. (2018). Does One Belt One Road Initiative Promote Chinese Overseas Direct Investment? China Economic Review , 47 , 189–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chieco.2017.05.010 Endress, K. L. (2004). Help-Wantedn Female: Editor and Publisher Frames a Civil Rights Issue. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly , 81 (1), 7–21. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/107769900408100102 Entman, R. M. (1993). Framing: Towards Clarification of a Fractured Paradigm. Journal of Communication , 43 (4), 51–58. Flint, C., & Zhu, C. (2019). The Geopolitics of Connectivity, Cooperation, and Hegemonic Competition: The Belt and Road Initiative. Geoforum , 99 , 95–101. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2018.12.008 Freeman, C. P. (2018). China’s Regionalism Foreign Policy and China-India relations in South Asia. Contemporary Politics , 24 (1), 81–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/13569775.2017.1408168 Gamson, W. A. (1988). The 1987 distinguished lecture: A Constructionist Approach to Mass Media and Public Opinion. Symbolic Interaction , 11 (2), 161–174. Gitlin, T. (2003). The Whole World is Watching: Mass Media in the Making and Unmaking of the New Left with New Preface . University of California Press. Goffman, E. (1974). Frame analysis: An essay on the organization of experience . Harvard University Press. Gorp, B. Van. (2007). The Constructionist Approach to Framing : Bringing Culture Back In. Journal of Communication , 57 , 60–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00329.x Han, C. M. (1989). Country Image: Halo or summary Construct? Journal of Marketing Research , 26 , 222–229. He, Z., Xianhong, C., & Xing, W. (2012). The Image of the United States in the Chinese Media : An Examination of the Evaluative Component of Framing. Public Relations Review , 38 (5), 676–683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2012.09.001 Huber, J., & McCann, J. (1982). The Impact of Inferential Beliefs on Product Evaluations. Journal of Marketing Research , 19 , 324–333. K.C., B. (2019). Polarized Pluralistic Model: Characteristics of Nepalese Press. Bodhi: An Interdisciplinary Journal , 7 , 161–186. https://doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v7i0.27911 Kaustubha, D. K., Ajitabh, D., & Sant, M. A. (Eds.). (2016). Understanding World Media . K. K. Publications. Khadka, S. (2019). BRI and Nepal: A Aoft Power Diplomacy analysis . Tirbhuvan University. Kunczik, M. (2002). Globalization: News Media, Images of Nations and the Flow of International Capital with Special Reference to the Role of Rating Agencies. Journal of Communication , 8 . https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242218797_Globalization_News_media_images_of_nations_and_the_ flow_of_international_capital_with_special_reference_to_the_role_of_rating_agencies Kuypers, J. A. (2010). Framing Analysis from a Rhetorical Perspective. In P. D’Angelo & J. A. Kuypers (Eds.), Doing News Framing Analysis: Empirical and Theoretical Perspectives (pp. 286–311). NY:Routledge. Li, M. (2020). The Belt and Road Initiative : Geo-Economics and Indo-Pacific Security Competition. International Affairs , 96 (1), 169–187. https://doi.org/10.1093/ia/iiz240 McLeod, D. M., & Detenber, B. H. (1999). Framing Effects of Television News Coverage of Social Protest. Journal of Communication , 49 (3), 3–23. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.1999.tb02802.x McQuail, D. (2010). McQuail’s Mass Communication Theory (6th ed.). Sage publications Inc. Mengzi, F. (2019). The Belt and Road Initiative from Three Theoretical Perspectives. Contemporary International Relations , April , 1–33. http://www.cicir.ac.cn/UpFiles/file/20200227/6371841699726745496853430.pdf MoFA. (2015). Wang Yi Holds Talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bd Pandey of Nepal . Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China(MFA). Murton, G., & Lord, A. (2020). Trans-Himalayan Power Corridors: Infrastructural Politics and China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Nepal. Political Geography , 77 (January 2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2019.102100 Niu, S., & Relly, J. E. (2021). Framing China’s Belt and Road Initiative by U.S. and Indian News Media (2013–2018). Newspaper Research Journal , 42 (2), 270–287. https://doi.org/10.1177/07395329211018864 Pan, Z., & Kosicki, G. M. (1993). Framing Analysis: An Approach to News Discourse. Political Communication , 10 (1), 55–75. https://doi.org/10.1080/10584609.1993.9962963 Paudel, D., & Billon, P. Le. (2018). Geo-Logics of Power: Disaster Capitalism , Himalayan Materialities, and the Geopolitical Economy of Reconstruction in Post-Earthquake Nepal. Geopolitics , 0045 . https://doi.org/10.1080/14650045.2018.1533818 Perry, D. K. (1990). News Reading, Knowledge About, and Attitudes Toward Foreign Countries. Journalism Quarterly , 67 (2), 353–358. Perse, E. M. (1998). Implications of Cognitive and Affective Involvement of Channel. Journal of Communication , 48 (3), 49–68. Philo, G. (1994). The Media in a Class Society. In G. Philo (Ed.), Glasgow Media Group Reader Volume 2: Industry, Economy, War and Politics (pp. 176–184). Routledge. Pokharel, K. (2011). International Studies . M.K. publishers and distributers. Prappacher, M. (2020). Nepal’s Incentives in China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Experiences and Imaginations . Albert- Ludwigs-Universitat. Prasai, K. (2023). The Belt and Road Initiative in Nepal: Potential Impacts and Implications. Humang Gerography . https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/19427786231198188 Pride, V., Tewksbury, D., & Power, E. (1997). Switching Trains of Thought: The Impact of News Frames on Readers’ Cognitive Responses. Communication Research , 24 (5), 481–506. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/009365097024005002 Reese, S. D. (2007). The Framing Project: A Bridging Model for Media Research Revisited. Journal of Communication , 57 (1), 148–154. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00334.x Riffe, D. (1996). Linking International News to US Interests: A Content Analysis. International Communication Bulletin , 31 (1–2), 14–18. Rose, L. E. (1971). Nepal Strategy for Survival . University of California Press. Salwen, M. B., & Matera, F. . (1992). Public Salience of Foreign Nations. Journalism Quarterly , 69 (3), 623–632. Sapkota, R. (2013). 尼泊尔 — 中国 — 印度三方三边合作模式的前景展望 ( 硕士学位论文 , 山东大学 (Prospects of Nepal-China-India Trilateral Cooperation: A Perspective from Nepal) [Shandong University]. https://kns.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx?dbname=CMFD202201&filename=1013223175.nh Scheufele, D. A. (1999). Framing as s Theory of Media Effects. Journal of Communication , 49 (1), 103–122. Schudson, M. (1989). The Sociology of News Production. Media, Culture & Society , 11 (3), 263–282. https://doi.org/10.1177/016344389011003002 Shoemaker, P., Chang, T., & Brendlinger, N. (1986). Deviance as a Predictor of Newsworthiness: Coverage of International Events in the US Media. Communication Yearbook , 10 , 348–365. Shrerstha, M. B. (2018). Cooperation on Finance Between China and Nepal: Belt and Road Initiatives and Investment Opportunities in Nepal. The Journal of Finance and Data Science , 3 (1–4), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfds.2017.09.004 Shrestha, H. L. (2015). Sixty Years of Dynamic Partnership . Nepal-China Society. Teo, H. C., Lechner, A. M., Walton, G. W., Ka, F., Chan, S., Cheshmehzangi, A., Tan-mullins, M., Chan, H. K., Sternberg, T., & Campos-arceiz, A. (2019). Environmental Impacts of Infrastructure Development under the Belt and Road Initiative. Enviorments , 6 (6). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/environments6060072 Turcsanyi, R., & Kachlikova, E. (2020). The BRI and China’s Soft Power in Europe : Why Chinese Narratives (Initially) Won. Journal of Current Chinese Affairs , 49 (1), 58–81. https://doi.org/10.1177/1868102620963134 Van Dijk, T. A. (1985). Structures of News in the Press. In T. A. Van Dijk (Ed.), Discourse and communication: New approaches to the analysis of mass media discourse and communication (pp. 69–73). W. de Gruyter. Wang, X., Shoemaker, P., Han, G., & Storm, E. (2008). Images of Nations in the Eyes of American Educational Elites. American Journal of Media Psychology , 1 (1), 36–60. Wright, P. L. (1975). Consumer Choice Strategies: Simplifying vs Optimizing. Journal of Marketing Research , 11 , 60–67. Xi, J. (2014). The Governance of China-I (p. 619). Xi, J. (2018). Work Together to Build the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. In The Governace of China I (2nd ed., pp. 470–475). Foreign Language Press. Yang, H., & Gorp, B. Van. (2021). A Frame Analysis of Political-Media Discourse on the Belt and Road Initiative: Evidence From China, Australia, India, Japan, The United Kingdom, and The United States. Cambridge Review of International Affairs , 36 (5). https://doi.org/10.1080/09557571.2021.1968794 Zhang, D., Mohsin, M., Rasheed, A. K., Chang, Y., & Taghizadeh-Hesary, F. (2021). Public Spending and Green Economic Growth in BRI Region: The Mediating Role of Green Finance. Energy Policy , 153 . Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files 1.ChinaandBRIMOU.xlsx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 10 Jun, 2025 Reviews received at journal 01 Jun, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 16 May, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 16 May, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 16 May, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 15 May, 2025 Reviews received at journal 15 May, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 12 May, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 12 May, 2025 Editor invited by journal 11 May, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 03 May, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 22 Apr, 2025 First submitted to journal 05 Apr, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6380233","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":455550307,"identity":"df2d964b-155b-425c-91ce-c172df19e6f9","order_by":0,"name":"Dipak Devkota","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Shenzhen University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Dipak","middleName":"","lastName":"Devkota","suffix":""},{"id":455550308,"identity":"7c4d7d97-6407-4ea5-95c3-acb07440c4cd","order_by":1,"name":"Yonghong Dai","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA00lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDCCA4wNzAwGNnL87I2NDz4Qr6UgzViy53Cz4QzitDAwMDN8OJy44UZ6mzQHMTr4jh9uky4wAGq5+bBBmoHBTk63gYAWyTOJbdIzDNKNZ95ObDAuYEg2NjtAQIvBAaAWHgNr2T6gluQZDAcStxHUcv4hSAszY8PNgw2HeYjScgNsi7PihBuMjc1EaZG88bDZmscAFMiJzYwzDIjwC9/59Ie3ef6AovL48x8fKuzkCGoBAhYJJHcSVg4CzMQlk1EwCkbBKBi5AAAwIEo2Shhq+wAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Shenzhen University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Yonghong","middleName":"","lastName":"Dai","suffix":""},{"id":455550309,"identity":"1af0d6aa-3266-4ea7-855e-9ae66affa4b3","order_by":2,"name":"Lok Bahadur B.K.","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Shenzhen University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Lok","middleName":"Bahadur","lastName":"B.K.","suffix":""},{"id":455550310,"identity":"6be3ea6e-00e9-4ec9-b272-9cbe52563ed9","order_by":3,"name":"Ashok Poudel","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Shenzhen University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ashok","middleName":"","lastName":"Poudel","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-04-05 06:38:14","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6380233/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6380233/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":82885114,"identity":"f0c86c2f-b151-4b7a-8131-df1dfdac46a6","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-16 11:45:41","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":16337,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePie Chart 1: Distribution of the overall tone\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSource: Computed from the media contents from the print media 2024.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6380233/v1/8b10872cbda27e2a36ac0d07.png"},{"id":82888339,"identity":"5e49b894-800c-4dd6-b2e7-c1dc3368da8b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-16 12:01:47","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":815632,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6380233/v1/679353a1-0eb5-4118-995d-f03cb664b7a9.pdf"},{"id":82886577,"identity":"85ac37cf-db5e-474c-b10a-32ac51ce8506","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-16 11:53:41","extension":"xlsx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":135954,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"1.ChinaandBRIMOU.xlsx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6380233/v1/5704de1f13551374fe90435b.xlsx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Crossroads of Belt and Road Initiative: The image framing of China in Nepali print media","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe Nepal-China relationship is important for Nepal\u0026rsquo;s current foreign policies in the context of international politics. Located between two major powers, China and India, Nepal has maintained vibrant relations with China, contributing to its domestic political stability. Nepal\u0026rsquo;s relations with its neighbours have become important even after the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Following the recent political changes in Nepal, the perception of China has become increasingly prominent. This study employs a framing perspective to scrutinize the presentation of China's image in the Nepalese press. Recent trends in communication tools include virtual and digital forms, which are swift and influential for urban people. However, print media also plays a significant role in shaping people's perceptions and frames in various social, political, economic, cultural, and scientific development contexts. Prior to the formal establishment of their relationship on 1 August 1955, Nepal and China possessed deeply ingrained cultural values, rooted in their pre-established historical and legendary friendly relations (Shrestha, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). During the Shah dynasty, Nepal experienced frequent fluctuations in its relations with China, India, and the US. When the Rana oligarchy came to power, the relation with the northern part was in shadow because of the British colony and their inclination with them (Pokharel, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBecause of the \u0026lsquo;unofficial embargo\u0026rsquo; by India after the new constitution promulgation in 2015, bilateral agreements with China had increased to overcome the condition of using the northern neighbour as a balance card with other countries and to break the unilateral dependence. Essentially, Nepal needs to endorse a \u0026rsquo;balance of power\u0026rsquo; between its two neighbours, but to some extent, by leaning on one side or on card-playing \u0026lsquo;game theory\u0026rsquo;, Nepal is unsuccessful achieving its substantial development (Sapkota, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). But, transforming political tensions into physical infrastructures, the Nepalese state has time and again strategically managed and leveraged Cold War and contemporary geopolitics into foreign aid and development funding (Paudel \u0026amp; Billon, 2018; Rose, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1971\u003c/span\u003e). In this regard, Nepalese leaders, including the former King Mahendra and, more recently, multiple leaders of Nepal's Communist parties and Democrats, have routinely engaged with Delhi and Beijing to complete various road development and infrastructure projects in different borderland regions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChina is implementing a number of developmental and diplomatic initiatives that are bringing various countries together, including Nepal. In 2013, Chinese President Xi proposed an integrated concept known as OBOR, which later evolved into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) (Xi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e, pp. 463, 470). China intends to connect with Southeast and South Asia, Central Asia, Pacific Oceania, Africa, and Europe through this grand initiative, which comprises various routes by sea and land (Bhattarai, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Policymakers, scholars, and countries, including Nepal, have shown significant interest in the potentially game-changing initiative known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Early in 2014, the Nepal government embraced the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative (MoFA, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e) with substantial interest. Nepal has demonstrated its readiness to work in cooperation with China to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, trade, energy, and tourism sectors, ultimately fostering regional harmony, peace, and development (MoFA, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has provided Nepal with an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with China and enhance its own development. This initiative has changed China\u0026rsquo;s image in Nepal and among Nepalese people.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsequently, there hasn't been much systematic research on how the Nepalese press presents the image of China in Nepal, particularly during the period when the two countries inked the Belt and Road Initiative in May 2017. The research questions are formulated as: \u003cem\u003eWhat was the tendency of print media regarding image of China in that time span? Why do privately owned media outlets in Nepal portray China in such a way?\u003c/em\u003e These questions remain adequately addressed. This paper examines these questions through a framing analysis that combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Many scholars and theorists have studied the influence of media on political and economic change and its social and psychological impact in contemporary society (Botan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). With a particular focus on social, economic, political, and cultural aspects at the national and people's level, this paper aims to investigate how Nepal's domestic print media reflects China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), both before and after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May 2017. Thus, this paper is significant for understanding and building opinion in a regional landscape and geographical manner, which becomes important for public opinion and for understanding China\u0026rsquo;s real image in neighbouring countries.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImage of the country\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe image of one individual, group, organization, nation, and its people are a conception made by other individuals, groups, organizations, nations. It also differs by individual, group, organization, nation, and so on across time and space. In the field of public relations, Kunczik (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e) has defined national image as the cognitive representation of what an individual believes about a nation and its people, which is dependent on the media\u0026rsquo;s reporting of the image of a country or a culture that is predominated (p. 4). Media has therefore become one of the important mechanisms of creating an image of any country and its people, including people at individual and group levels. In the marketing field, scholars are primarily interested in consumers' cognitive beliefs and brand attitudes toward products. Because it is impossible to ascertain the true quality of an unknown product, consumers may turn to the image of a country to estimate its quality (Huber \u0026amp; McCann, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1982\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMany communication scholars assert that profit (Perse, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1998\u003c/span\u003e; Shoemaker et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1986\u003c/span\u003e), commodities (Hawak, 1992, cited in Atadoga, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e), and state interests (Riffe, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1996\u003c/span\u003e) influence the selection of news in media coverage. In the interdependency context, international news and issues significantly shape the perception and opinion of a country, while domestic news coverage significantly shapes people's opinions (Lippmann, 1922, cited in Turcsanyi \u0026amp; Kachlikova, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Perry (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1990\u003c/span\u003e) as well as Salwen and Matera (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1992\u003c/span\u003e) assert that the media's perspective on news can significantly influence a nation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBefore 1990, people would often attribute something's cheapness and lack of durability to its Chinese origin. In the Nepali language, there was a proverb that said, \"\u003cem\u003eMade in China, Aaja chha bholi chhaina\u003c/em\u003e,\" which translates to \"Made in China, works today but not for tomorrow.\" However, if you observe a new and innovative product in the market, it's undeniable that China is the manufacturer. Therefore, markets and commodities that are produced to export to other countries replicate the image of such countries. Then, images of country influences product attribute evaluations directly affect consumer attitudes towards country brands rather than indirectly (Han, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1989\u003c/span\u003e; Wright, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1975\u003c/span\u003e). Press plays a major role in teaching South Africans how to understand and interpret the world. However, if this interpretation of the world is fundamentally flawed, the media cannot serve as a mirror of it, maintain its independence, or serve as a patron of truth (Biney, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1997\u003c/span\u003e). Studies have demonstrated that the media play a significant influence on individual\u0026rsquo;s perceptions of foreign nations and that perceptions as well as assessments predominantly depend on media coverage in the absence of first-hand experience with that nation (Wang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). According to He et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e), a country image is often driven by the inquiry of how such an image influences people\u0026rsquo;s attitude toward a particular country in terms of its politics, culture, and history and how such an image affects policy and decision makers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBelt and Road Initiative: World and Nepal\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eChinese President Xi anticipated building a land-based \u0026lsquo;Silk Road Economic Belt\u0026rsquo; (SREB) and a sea-based \u0026lsquo;21st Century Maritime Silk Road\u0026rsquo; (MSR), which were supposed to connect China to Africa and Europe through the land and sea (Xi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Later known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it embodied the fundamental principle of 'planning together, building together, and benefiting together' (Xi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Since 2013, BRI has attracted worldwide attentiveness and massively influenced humans because of its major goals, i.e., policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unrestricted trade, financial integration, and people-to-people relations (cited in Niu \u0026amp; Relly, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). As the implementation of BRI takes shape, global scholars and countries are debating this massive initiative from various angles.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlthough BRI asserts its status as an international initiative, bilateral agreements often facilitate its implementation. However, scholars have been interpreting the BRI differently in various areas and aspects. This initiative focuses on mega-project-based physical infrastructure projects that often have geopolitical implications (Flint and Zhu, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Li, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Murton \u0026amp; Lord (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) reported that international media outlets have covered the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) due to concerns about China's peaceful rise, historical orientalist prejudices, and the struggle for a new global order in the emerging global era. From an economic perspective, China views the BRI as a means to enhance its economic growth and exports while also fostering economic development in participating countries (Zhang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom the perspective of interconnection and cooperation, the Belt and Road Initiative serves as a tool for global economic development and the world's largest connectivity infrastructure project (Chung, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Mengzi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Among partnering countries, it serves as an initiative for economic development, prosperity, and friendship and is also considered a crucial national strategy (Du and Zhang, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Not only does the Belt and Road Initiative, but any major project or proposal and its implementation, inherently carry deep social, economic, and political implications. Teo et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) pointed out that BRI projects are likely to bring significant benefits of improved infrastructure and services without affecting environmental and social protection. According to the State Council of the People's Republic of China, it advocates tolerance among citizens, respects the paths and modes of development chosen by different countries, and supports dialogue among different civilizations on the principle of seeking common ground while reducing differences and drawing on each other\u0026rsquo;s strengths so that each country can coexist in peace for common prosperity (cited in Adhikari, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e, p. 44). Therefore, the world views the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a multifaceted mega initiative that garners global attention.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot only is the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) a contentious issue among scholars across the globe, but major countries also hold varying perceptions and positions regarding the BRI and China. Mostly, the US and India perceive and articulate the geopolitical strategic (Cai, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) calculation, presenting BRI as an economic interest of China with over-lending standard projects (Yang and Gorp, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). However, China's geopolitical considerations have created business opportunities for the UK and Australia. From the regional perspective, Freeman (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e) criticized the BRI as a multi-dimensional conception of security best examined through a political economy lens and through various trajectories to advance China\u0026rsquo;s power and influence. China has been asserting extensive consultation, joint contribution, shared benefits, and the project of the century (Xi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Furthermore, Chinese President Xi has portrayed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a concrete project that will support the 'Asia Dream.' This project not only bolsters China's aspiration to foster win-win cooperation and outcomes with its Asian neighbours but also contributes to the reduction of the infrastructure gap as projected by ADB (Callahan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Different countries perceive, juxtapose, and interpret the BRI initiative differently, and they also implement it in their own unique ways.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNepal has been a part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for seven years, having signed an MOU with China on 12 May 2017 and made the framework agreement as well. Before the MoU, Nepal had signed an initial agreement principally in 2014; later, OBOR was promulgated by Chinese President Xi Jinping (Setopati, 2017, cited in Chand, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e, p. 42). Many Nepali scholars say that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) offers great chance in areas like as agriculture, livestock, and tourism (Adhikari, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e); investment, job creation, and transportation; enhancing people-to-people exchange (Shrerstha, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e); reducing reliance on India (Prasai, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e); and challenging India's hegemony on Nepal's global connectivity (Khadka, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e), despite the challenges posed by geopolitical complexities. The announcement to join the BRI was enthusiastic, but the necessary preparations fell short in the latter part in Nepal.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, BRI in Nepal encourages a symbol of economic progress, assurances of connectivity, consolidation of political stability, as well as balance in its foreign relations in the context of South Asia (Prappacher, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Thus, China\u0026rsquo;s BRI seems to play a vital role in extending Nepal\u0026rsquo;s economic benefits while symbolically balancing Nepal\u0026rsquo;s dependence on India. The study of media materials from various countries, and continents and the world portray the image of BRI and China in diverse ways. However, researchers still need to explore and explain the challenge of implementing the BRI in underdeveloped countries and how it affected the appearance of key print media during that period. This paper is part of a larger study on China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which specifically focuses on how China's image reflects in major print media in Nepal, using a framing perspective from the MoU for the BRI in 2017.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTheoretical approach\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sociologist Goffman (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1974\u003c/span\u003e) commenced the concept of framing, which has given numerous researchers from various disciplines the chance to analyse a wide range of perspectives, demonstrating its significance in social science research (Entman, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1993\u003c/span\u003e; Gitlin, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e; Gorp, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e; Reese, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). Regarding media studies, the main premise of framing theory is that issues can be viewed from different perspectives and understand which aspects are emphasized to influence the general public for important values or decisions or to draw attention to matters of public concern.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to Entman (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1993\u003c/span\u003e), in political communication, news framing elucidates certain forms of content and events, or aspects of reality, in an attractive, meaningful, and memorable way for the audience. For those, the news media pick and explore only designed content, images, logic, and facts of events and an issue with the selection and salience involvement (p. 52). According to Gamson (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1988\u003c/span\u003e) and Pan \u0026amp; Kosicki (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1993\u003c/span\u003e), media narratives, i.e., news and other content framing, play a weighty role in persuading people about specific issues and influencing their opinion-making process. This suggests that the media can significantly stimulate the framing of exclusive images and the portrayal of any object, individual, state, and so on, thereby neutering attitudes toward issues, events, or initiatives on a wider scale. Furthermore, the mass media can strongly influence perceptions about events if an audience has no direct experience of the event and does not share similar cultural values to the protagonists involved (Philo, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e, p. 30). So, news framing is the process whereby media outlets and conglomerates outline and create political issues and public debates. According to McQuail (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e), framing theory consists of the formation and dissemination of frames through diverse outlets and the process of influencing the evaluative orientation of targeted audiences. According to the framing theory, media persons and journalists typically create and formalize an issue within a familiar frame, a latent motive, and other concerted influences on people or audiences (Chang, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e, p. 5). However, according to Van Dijk (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1985\u003c/span\u003e), the ideology or political inclination of journalists and news presenters influences the news content in mass and print media by their framing perspective.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFraming has been called a paradigm (Entman, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1993\u003c/span\u003e), a mode of media effect (Pride et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1997\u003c/span\u003e), a theory (Entman, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1993\u003c/span\u003e; Scheufele, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e), an approach, a process (McLeod \u0026amp; Detenber, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e), an analysis (Endress, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e), and a principle (Reese, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). Framing theory, in essence, guides the presentation of a subject to an audience and shapes their decision-making in processing the presented information. Frames are notions that work to consolidate the latent meaning of disseminated contents covered in different media. The media houses and journalists use framing by expressing and assigning specific language and characteristics to people, actions, or ideas (Kuypers, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Reese (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e) asserts that the organization of frames promotes their latent meaning, not their specific ones, through an interpretative approach that captures a more dynamic meaning and a broader definition of frames. Thus, this research aims to scrutinize the framing of China's image in the three Nepali-language legacy presses, a phenomenon that manifests in specific stories but transcends the scope of particular issues and actors.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study employs a mixed research method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. In the first step, researchers applied quantitative content analysis, selecting a sample of news (NWS), opinions (OPI), remarks (REM), interviews (INT), and editorials (EDI) from three major Nepali-language legacy newspapers in Nepal to examine the frame tone of China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in areas such as political, economic, infrastructure development, strategic, cultural exchange, and miscellaneous aspects. In the second step, researchers conducted an interpretative analysis of the frame across various subjects, based on the stories included in the content analysis of those five aspects. The sample were selected from three newspapers for the quantitative content analysis, which took place from March16, 2017 to July 16, 2017. It was purposefully chosen to have a four-month limit for the media content because Nepal and China signed the BRI MOU on 12 May 2017.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on purposive sampling, the three newspapers selected as the subjects of this research were Kantipur National Daily (KND), Naya Patrika National Daily (NPND), and Annapurna Post Daily (APND). Kantipur National Daily (KND), Naya Patrika National Daily (NPND), and Annapurna Post Daily (APND) are well-established newspapers, widely regarded for their unique perspectives on Nepalese political elites, and they receive significantly higher readership than other newspapers (Kaustubha et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Second, people widely read the three newspapers with the highest circulation rates: KND with 453,000 copies, NPND with 275,000 copies, and APND with around 250,000 copies. Although they do not fully represent the country's newspaper industry, they cover a broad spectrum of the Nepalese press beyond the government-controlled media.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResearchers used two external research assistants to code these research-worthy items. Two researchers independently coded 10% (215) of the items for the co-coder reliability test. Researcher found the reliability coefficient in the subject area and framing orientation tone to be 0.82 and 0.86, respectively, with an average coefficient of 0.84. As part of the interpretive analysis, Researchers looked at the combined frames in the different areas to see how important the issues were, what their undertones were, how they related to each other, and how they leaned toward explicit and implicit moral perspectives. Each major aspects were particularly scrutinized exemplars to deduce the general perceptions of China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) across various domains, including political, economic, infrastructure development, strategic, cultural exchange, and other aspects.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results, discussions, and findings","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe data from the content analysis shows that Nepali-language legacy printing newspapers demoted their coverage of China and BRI to their political, infrastructure \u0026amp; development, and strategic aspect in different categories of items like news, opinions, remarks, and editorials (Table 1).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal newspaper and categories of content\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eN/C\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNWS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEDI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOPI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eREM/INT\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNPND\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18 (48.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (2.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (32.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 (16.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKND\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54 (58.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (1.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22 (23.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (17.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAPND\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42 (49.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 (3.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21 (24.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19 (22.4)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e114\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e55\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e41\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSource: Computed from the contents of the print media, 2024.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the keywords 'China' and 'OBOR' or 'BRI,' KND published the most content, accounting for 43 percent (93), while NPND significantly contributed the least, with 17 percent (37), and APND contributed 40 percent (85) in their print paper during the four months in 2017 that preceded and followed May 12, the signing of the MOU between Nepal and China for the Belt and Road Initiative. Three newspapers published 215 news items, accounting for 53 percent (114) of the total. Of these, 26 percent were opinion pieces, 19 percent featured remarks from leaders, experts, or officials about China and the BRI, and 2 percent featured editorials.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTone evaluation of headlines of media contents\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the subjects presented in newspaper headlines, the positive tone accounted for 39 percent, the highest percentage among 215 contents, with a difference of approximately 5 percent between positive, neutral, and negative tones. Three newspapers published only 28 percent of the negative tone content (Fig.\u0026nbsp;1). Bleich et al. (2018) conducted a headline tone analysis, using the formula net tone = (positive tone - negative tone)/total headlines, resulting in a net tone range of -1 to + 1 and a neutral tone of 0. The sets of headlines exhibit positive, neutral, and negative tones when the results of the net tone analysis fall within the ranges of 0 and + 1, 0, and − 1, respectively. From table 2, the net tone for three privately owned domestic media outlets is positive (0 to + 1).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Taba\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;2. Net tone analysis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eT/N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNPND No\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKND No\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAPND No\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePositive\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNeutral\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNegative\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNet tone\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.29\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.11\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.02\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSource: Computed from contents gathered and categorized from print media, 2024.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cimg src=\"data:image/png;base64,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\"\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHowever, when researchers broke down the thematic areas to examine the giving space and tone that politically framed contents yield 25 percent, followed by inf \u0026amp;Dev aspect, strategic aspect framed contents at 23 percent respectively, economics aspect at 17 percent, and cultural and other subjects accounted for less than 10 percent (as shown in table 4). Those three print media houses had portrayed political (-0.02), strategic (-0.27), and cultural (-0.18) aspects slightly negatively, whereas remaining aspects are positive in net tone appraisal. Furthermore, from the chi-square test (P \u0026lt; 0.05(0.008) shown that there are strong association between their subject area and tone of three print media. However, the overall subject areas and tones are positive (0.10), as shown in table 3.\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tabc\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;4. Subject areas and tone of newspaper contents\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSA/NT\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNPND\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKND\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAPND\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRT\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePositive\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNeutral\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNegative\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePol.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEco.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInf \u0026amp;Dev\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStrategic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCult.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMisc.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCT\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e215\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e84 (39%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70 (33%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61 (28%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eX\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = 30.14, Df = 10, P \u0026lt; 0.05(0.008)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSource: Computed from contents gathered and categorized from print media, 2024.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe images of China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can be expressed in a comparative manner, based on the news and tones reflected in print media. Researchers can also discuss the reflection of images by examining the relationship between various dimensions and tones in the print media.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImages of China and BRI: Comparative analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three Nepali language-legacy newspapers differed significantly in how they framed China and the Belt and Road Initiative. KND had published 43.3 percent of the contents, which is the highest frequency among the three newspaper dailies, whereas APND had 39.5 percent and NPND had only 17.2 percent (see in table 2). But, in the NPND (the second-largest paper in terms of circulating pieces), more than half of the contents (51 percent) were in a positive frame, whereas the other two had one-third (KND = 38 percent, APND = 35 percent) of the total frame orientation. One reason for the least amount of published material but the most positive orientation is the editorial-publisher relationship. However, APND has contributed the highest negative tone (33 percent) to the overall content.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchudson, (1989) asserts that conglomerates and hierarchies of media institutions govern or relate to studies of news making as a reality-constructing activity. Furthermore, NPND prioritized political issues at a rate of 27 percent; KND organized infrastructure and development at a rate of 2 percent and political issues at a rate of 24 percent, while APND concentrated on strategic subjects and frames in her publications at a rate of 28 percent. But those three papers structured and portrayed almost the same percentage of development and infrastructure-building issues related to China (Table 5).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eComparison of newspaper tone in different frames\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNPND (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKND (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAPND (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.2% (37)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43.3% (93)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.5% (85)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrame\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolitical\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27% (10)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24% (22)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25% (21)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEconomic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22% (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17% (16)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15% (13)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInf \u0026amp;Dev\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22% (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24% (22)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22% (19)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStrategic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19% (7)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19% (18)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28% (24)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCultural\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3% (1)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11% (10)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6% (5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMisc.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8% (3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5% (5)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4% (3)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTone\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePositive\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51% (19)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38% (35)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35% (30)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNeutral\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27% (10)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35% (33)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32% (27)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNegative\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22% (8)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eX\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = 2.83, df = 4, p = 0.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27% (25)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eX\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = 0.13, df = 4, p = 0.71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33% (28)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eX\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e = 1.14, df = 4, p = 0.23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSource: Computed from contents gathered and categorized from print media, 2024.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe numerical data, presented in tables and charts, provides some micro-level insights into the Nepalese major print media's coverage of various issues related to China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which are perceived as fragmented subject matters of countries' images. Based on the quantitative findings, we did an interpretive analysis of all the stories, pointing out themes that were common and giving example to show how these frame works (Table 4 and Table 5).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003ePolitical aspect\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe presentation of politically framed content was less positive than that of neutral and negative frames. A Nepali newspaper portrayed China in a somewhat sceptical light. The political context frames China as a power that lacks understanding of the political system yet shows interest in Nepal's internal politics. People perceive China as a welcoming and friendly country, yet they are concerned about the country's political stability. Some examples of positively framed political content were China’s activities in Nepal and the Nepalese prime minister’s visits to China, where, after the devastating earthquake in 2015, the Chinese ambassador of China to Nepal, Yu Hong, was quoted as saying ‘China will stand with the Nepali people in whatever situation in the future’ in Kantipur Daily on April 23, 2017. Similarly, the then-prime minister of Nepal, Prachanda, made a political statement at the airport upon his return from a visit to China, framing the content as 'understanding the level of trust between the two countries and their obstacles.' (2017, March 30 NPND). On the negative tone of the political content, the newspaper contents were usually open and critical. NPND published an article written by Rajeshwar Acharya about the Prime Minister's visit to China and the commitment to the One China Policy. Nepal should not think only of our neighbours and friendly countries and repeat Nepal's policy towards that country. (2017, March 31, NPND). Thus, these contents portrayed China as the ‘sceptical but prominent’ friend for Nepal.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eEconomic aspect\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAfter the ‘unofficial embargo’ made by the southern neighbour, the mainstream contents were published about the economic benefits of BRI, the BOAO forum, and China’s investments in Nepal. Overall, 62% (out of 37) of the economy-related content focused on China's economy, poverty alleviation, and the economic significance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Nepal's domestic economy, all with positive messages and connotations. For example, the news published in the APND economic page (Ka) on June 20, 2017, said the China-led newly established infrastructure and development bank assured us it would invest 125\u0026nbsp;billion in different projects in Nepal for economic sustainability, and in NPND on June 15, 2017, it said Chinese investors were attracted to the hospitality industry and committed to invest more than three billion. However, an article by Lawrence Summers (copied from the Washington Post) titled \"China's Major Economic Challenges,\" published in Nayapatrika Daily on June 21, 2017, asserted that the policy-making process of China is hindering the success of its economy. Regardless the contents, whether positive or negative, these newspapers slip up and portray China as a ‘friend in weal and woe’ for Nepal's economic prosperity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eInfrastructural and developmental aspects\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTogether with the advancement of technology, countries are improving their infrastructure and development status. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in 2015, the issue of infrastructure and development became increasingly pressing in Nepal. During this period, three newspapers carried major stories on China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with only KND showing a slight increase compared to the other two. China and BRI, including an industrial park in Nepal and connectivity between two countries and South Asia, constituted more than 57 percent of all infrastructure and development content, with significant positive implications.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFor instance, an article by Shreenath Raghwan, which appeared in NPND on April 8, 2017, suggested that not only Nepal but also India should be involved in the BRI. Because Asian economies have endured massive changes, isolation from the long-term and real impact issues of OBOR has deprived them of opportunities to expand in Asia. Similarly, this paper praised Chinese President Xi's remarks about the BRI, highlighting its potential for fraternity and development (June 7, 2017, in Kantipur). Conversely, certain articles received negative attention, including one by Geja Sharma Wagle, which asserted that the OBOR is not just an initiative for economic development but also a means of expanding trade and engaging in proactive diplomacy with strategic goals (2017, May 21, KND). In summary, the data suggests that the BRI and modern China are at the forefront of bringing about a renaissance in Nepal and South Asia.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eStrategic aspect\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn the context of today’s modern global world, countries frame their own strategy for their survival and existence. Such a strategic plan guides China's current strategy to a significant extent. One of the most prominent aspects of media coverage was the strategic frame to portray China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but the content tended to be less positive (16 percent among 49 items) and more neutral and negative. The geographical space of Nepal is a geostrategic location because the world’s major powers have always been engaging in it different interests. Example of a negatively connotated article published in APND on May 2, 2017: In APND, K.P. Bhattarai focused on the fact that when a large initiative is run by a single country and structure, there is a possibility that it will spread negative hatred in the future. Contrarily, Homnath Dahal’s written article published on April 17, 2017, in APND said the railway link from China to Lumbini will open an alternative way for Nepal to connect to the world, but India doesn’t want this plan to be fulfilled due to its instability mentality. Overall, most of the issues dealt with China-India rivalry, China’s strategic steps and intention toward the world and Nepal revealed the image of an ‘attentive but not aggressive’ manner.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eCultural and miscellaneous aspect\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCultural relations and the image of any country with another country are important to understanding bilateral and multilateral relations among countries. The cultural aspect, accounting for 7 percent of the major 6 aspects of China and BRI-related content, received the least attention, followed by miscellaneous aspect contents at 5 percent. Overall, the coverage of cultural aspects was positive, while the coverage of miscellaneous content was mostly neutral. The coverage of cultural subject contents focused mainly on tourism, digital technology, education, entertainment, and sports in China. Harish Pokharel's article, which appeared in NPND on April 21, 2017, asserted that Nepal can gain valuable insights from China's preservation of historical cultural and heritage sites, particularly in relation to society's modernization. Furthermore, researchers need to learn not only about the politics and development of China but also about its diverse cultural melting pot (April 8, 2017, Kantipur). However, certain topics, such as 'American Dream of Chinese Youth' (April 9, 2017, Kantipur), demonstrate that the Chinese in the new generation have a stronger attachment to the Western nation than to themselves. This elucidates the cultural and miscellaneous image that is revealed as 'fruitful and bonding in exchange' for each other.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eConclusion and implications\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHistorical and cultural ties extend beyond the diplomatic relations established centuries ago. The majority of Nepalese citizens embrace positive views toward China and express enthusiasm for economic and infrastructure development in Nepal. When Nepal became a part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it did not encounter narratives that suggested a potential \"debt trap.\" However, the media and media houses expressed concern about the geopolitical constraints imposed by the world's major powers. They illustrated how three major Nepalese newspapers formed and understood China's image in the context of the BRI Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nepal and China, using a news framing approach. Despite the current situation, the progress of BRI implementation in Nepal is sluggish, but the overall coverage of China and BRI in those papers is relatively positive and favourable.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThese media outlets portray China as a mixture of optimism and fear at the same time. However, the frequency of featured content in these three newspapers varies. Due to the lack of a dedicated news reporter and department to deal with international actors, the domestic political reporter is tasked with handling news from China, which may not be appropriate for their size. These newspapers concentrate on four primary areas: politics, economics, infrastructure and development, and strategic propaganda. Other newspapers have shown less willingness to provide space for dissemination in the targeted country, likely due to their own interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeveral factors have contributed to the portrayal of these aspects in the framing process. The foremost factor is the collaborative historical relationship between Nepal and China. All those outlets consistently maintained a positive tone, avoiding extreme criticism. However, the ownership of these three Nepalese print media outlets, primarily focused on profit and sustainability, leads them to prioritize different aspects of content. During that timeframe, barely five editorial items were published; even among them, it was established that BRI should be implemented without strategic apprehensions. News media have grown accustomed to their party's ideological guidelines, which align with either liberal or communist philosophy, and both media and journalists maintain direct or indirect connections with political parties (K.C., 2019).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe next factor to consider is Nepal's geographical isolation. After the unofficial embargo in 2015, Nepal founded itself compelled to make traversal an alternative way of connecting with the world. To fulfil this obligation, the contents of these media outlets have shifted to a positive portrayal of China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is expected to open the northern gateway for Nepal to access the entire world. However, these newspapers have presented two faces of the image of China: One is impartial, non-interfering, and friendly in weal and woe, prominent and amicable in economic and infrastructure development, as well as never interested in Nepal's internal politics. On the other hand, China, as a rising superpower, is gradually becoming visible and attentive to domestic affairs in Nepal. Despite various doubts and scepticism, the Nepalese side ultimately believes that such a project can positively benefit Nepal and its society by fostering holistic development and harmonious relations with a peacefully rising China. Because of BRI the massive attention to public in Nepal has been creating with sleeping giant neighbour China. Before the BRI, Nepali people perceive only foremost neighbour with steadily developing with communist path. But after this diverse form of image has been created through the media and other spectacular platform.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eConceivably, In Nepal, since 1950, the political system and the nature of the state have been largely related to the Western political dimension. Along with that, the developed media has also been influenced by different ideologies. Although the philosophy, system, socio-economic basis is different, in the context of BRI, the media, the owners of the media houses, whether they are supporters or opponents, do not seem to be in a position to ignore the economic and development path of BRI. However, they seem to be trying to obscure it by raising the context of geopolitics and transparency.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion and implications","content":"\u003cp\u003eHistorical and cultural ties extend beyond the diplomatic relations established centuries ago. The majority of Nepalese citizens embrace positive views toward China and express enthusiasm for economic and infrastructure development in Nepal. When Nepal became a part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it did not encounter narratives that suggested a potential \"debt trap.\" However, the media and media houses expressed concern about the geopolitical constraints imposed by the world's major powers. They illustrated how three major Nepalese newspapers formed and understood China's image in the context of the BRI Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nepal and China, using a news framing approach. Despite the current situation, the progress of BRI implementation in Nepal is sluggish, but the overall coverage of China and BRI in those papers is relatively positive and favourable.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese media outlets portray China as a mixture of optimism and fear at the same time. However, the frequency of featured content in these three newspapers varies. Due to the lack of a dedicated news reporter and department to deal with international actors, the domestic political reporter is tasked with handling news from China, which may not be appropriate for their size. These newspapers concentrate on four primary areas: politics, economics, infrastructure and development, and strategic propaganda. Other newspapers have shown less willingness to provide space for dissemination in the targeted country, likely due to their own interests.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeveral factors have contributed to the portrayal of these aspects in the framing process. The foremost factor is the collaborative historical relationship between Nepal and China. All those outlets consistently maintained a positive tone, avoiding extreme criticism. However, the ownership of these three Nepalese print media outlets, primarily focused on profit and sustainability, leads them to prioritize different aspects of content. During that timeframe, barely five editorial items were published; even among them, it was established that BRI should be implemented without strategic apprehensions. News media have grown accustomed to their party's ideological guidelines, which align with either liberal or communist philosophy, and both media and journalists maintain direct or indirect connections with political parties (K.C., 2019).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe next factor to consider is Nepal's geographical isolation. After the unofficial embargo in 2015, Nepal founded itself compelled to make traversal an alternative way of connecting with the world. To fulfil this obligation, the contents of these media outlets have shifted to a positive portrayal of China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is expected to open the northern gateway for Nepal to access the entire world. However, these newspapers have presented two faces of the image of China: One is impartial, non-interfering, and friendly in weal and woe, prominent and amicable in economic and infrastructure development, as well as never interested in Nepal's internal politics. On the other hand, China, as a rising superpower, is gradually becoming visible and attentive to domestic affairs in Nepal. Despite various doubts and scepticism, the Nepalese side ultimately believes that such a project can positively benefit Nepal and its society by fostering holistic development and harmonious relations with a peacefully rising China. Because of BRI the massive attention to public in Nepal has been creating with sleeping giant neighbour China. Before the BRI, Nepali people perceive only foremost neighbour with steadily developing with communist path. But after this diverse form of image has been created through the media and other spectacular platform.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConceivably, In Nepal, since 1950, the political system and the nature of the state have been largely related to the Western political dimension. Along with that, the developed media has also been influenced by different ideologies. Although the philosophy, system, socio-economic basis is different, in the context of BRI, the media, the owners of the media houses, whether they are supporters or opponents, do not seem to be in a position to ignore the economic and development path of BRI. However, they seem to be trying to obscure it by raising the context of geopolitics and transparency.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDevkota, Dipak designed the study, reviewed the literature, conducted data analysis, and prepared and revised the manuscript. Dai, Yonghong oversaw the research and has given a guiding force throughout the study. His oversight, direction, and substantial intellectual contribution to the study design and execution warrant recognition according to the authorship criteria. LBB participated for data collection, sorting data and AP played a pivotal role in cleaning data, and manuscript proofreading. All authors have contributed to and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data gathered for this research was obtained from three media house as physical copies. The newspaper data is still being utilized for further analysis. Additionally, the datasets generated and analyzed during the current study can be obtained from the corresponding authors upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdhikari, A. (2018). Belt and Road Initiative and Nepal\u0026rsquo;s Economic Perspective: Regionality and Specificity. \u003cem\u003eKathmandu School of Law Review\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e6\u003c/em\u003e(1), 41\u0026ndash;52. https://doi.org/10.46985/jms.v6i1.947\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAtadoga, A. S. (2020). \u003cem\u003eWestern Media Coverage of International News: A Content Analysis of Associated Press coverage of Africa\u003c/em\u003e [University of Northern Iowa]. https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/1060\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBhattarai, D. (2019). Understanding the Belt and Road Initiative. \u003cem\u003eJournal of APF Command and Staff College\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiney, A. (1997). The Western Media and Africa: Issues of information and images. \u003cem\u003eInterstate-Journal of Internatioanl Affairs\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e1996/1997\u003c/em\u003e(2), 2\u0026ndash;21.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBotan, M. (2010). New Perspectives on the Study of Political Communication. \u003cem\u003eRomanian Journal of Communication and Public Relations\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e12\u003c/em\u003e(3), 9\u0026ndash;20.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCai, K. G. (2020). The One Belt One Road and The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: Beijing\u0026rsquo;s New Strategy of Geoeconomics and Geopolitics. In S. Zhao (Ed.), \u003cem\u003eChina\u0026rsquo;s New Global Strategy\u003c/em\u003e (p. 220). Routledge. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429317002\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCallahan, W. A. (2016). China\u0026rsquo;s \u0026lsquo;Asia Dream\u0026rsquo;: The Belt Road Initiative and the new regional order. \u003cem\u003eAsian Journal of Comparative Politics\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e1\u003c/em\u003e(3), 1\u0026ndash;18. https://doi.org/10.1177/2057891116647806\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChand, H. P. (2023). Dilemmas, Debates, and Development of BRI in the Himalayan Nation: A Nepali Perspective. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Foreign Affairs\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e3\u003c/em\u003e(01), 34\u0026ndash;48. https://doi.org/10.3126/jofa.v3i01.56508\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChang, Y. (2008). \u003cem\u003eFraming China: How U. S. media Reported Eight U. S. State Visits by Top Chinese Leaders\u003c/em\u003e. Iowa State University.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChung, C. P. (2018). What Are the Strategic and Economic Implications for South Asia of China\u0026rsquo;s Maritime Silk Road Initiative? \u003cem\u003eThe Pacific Review\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e31\u003c/em\u003e(3), 315\u0026ndash;332. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/09512748.2017.1375000\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDu, J., \u0026amp; Zhang, Y. (2018). Does One Belt One Road Initiative Promote Chinese Overseas Direct Investment? \u003cem\u003eChina Economic Review\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e47\u003c/em\u003e, 189\u0026ndash;205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chieco.2017.05.010\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEndress, K. L. (2004). Help-Wantedn Female: Editor and Publisher Frames a Civil Rights Issue. \u003cem\u003eJournalism and Mass Communication Quarterly\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e81\u003c/em\u003e(1), 7\u0026ndash;21. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/107769900408100102\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEntman, R. M. (1993). Framing: Towards Clarification of a Fractured Paradigm. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Communication\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e43\u003c/em\u003e(4), 51\u0026ndash;58.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlint, C., \u0026amp; Zhu, C. (2019). The Geopolitics of Connectivity, Cooperation, and Hegemonic Competition: The Belt and Road Initiative. \u003cem\u003eGeoforum\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e99\u003c/em\u003e, 95\u0026ndash;101. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2018.12.008\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreeman, C. P. (2018). China\u0026rsquo;s Regionalism Foreign Policy and China-India relations in South Asia. \u003cem\u003eContemporary Politics\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e24\u003c/em\u003e(1), 81\u0026ndash;97. https://doi.org/10.1080/13569775.2017.1408168\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGamson, W. A. (1988). The 1987 distinguished lecture: A Constructionist Approach to Mass Media and Public Opinion. \u003cem\u003eSymbolic Interaction\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e11\u003c/em\u003e(2), 161\u0026ndash;174.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGitlin, T. (2003). \u003cem\u003eThe Whole World is Watching: Mass Media in the Making and Unmaking of the New Left with New Preface\u003c/em\u003e. University of California Press.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGoffman, E. (1974). \u003cem\u003eFrame analysis: An essay on the organization of experience\u003c/em\u003e. Harvard University Press.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGorp, B. Van. (2007). The Constructionist Approach to Framing : Bringing Culture Back In. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Communication\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e57\u003c/em\u003e, 60\u0026ndash;78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00329.x\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHan, C. M. (1989). Country Image: Halo or summary Construct? \u003cem\u003eJournal of Marketing Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e26\u003c/em\u003e, 222\u0026ndash;229.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe, Z., Xianhong, C., \u0026amp; Xing, W. (2012). The Image of the United States in the Chinese Media : An Examination of the Evaluative Component of Framing. \u003cem\u003ePublic Relations Review\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e38\u003c/em\u003e(5), 676\u0026ndash;683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2012.09.001\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHuber, J., \u0026amp; McCann, J. (1982). The Impact of Inferential Beliefs on Product Evaluations. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Marketing Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e19\u003c/em\u003e, 324\u0026ndash;333.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eK.C., B. (2019). Polarized Pluralistic Model: Characteristics of Nepalese Press. \u003cem\u003eBodhi: An Interdisciplinary Journal\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e7\u003c/em\u003e, 161\u0026ndash;186. https://doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v7i0.27911\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKaustubha, D. K., Ajitabh, D., \u0026amp; Sant, M. A. (Eds.). (2016). \u003cem\u003eUnderstanding World Media\u003c/em\u003e. K. K. Publications.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKhadka, S. (2019). \u003cem\u003eBRI and Nepal: A Aoft Power Diplomacy analysis\u003c/em\u003e. Tirbhuvan University.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKunczik, M. (2002). Globalization: News Media, Images of Nations and the Flow of International Capital with Special Reference to the \u003cbr\u003eRole of Rating Agencies. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Communication\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e8\u003c/em\u003e. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242218797_Globalization_News_media_images_of_nations_and_the_\u003cbr\u003eflow_of_international_capital_with_special_reference_to_the_role_of_rating_agencies\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKuypers, J. A. (2010). Framing Analysis from a Rhetorical Perspective. In P. D\u0026rsquo;Angelo \u0026amp; J. A. Kuypers (Eds.), \u003cem\u003eDoing News Framing Analysis: Empirical and Theoretical Perspectives\u003c/em\u003e (pp. 286\u0026ndash;311). NY:Routledge.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLi, M. (2020). The Belt and Road Initiative : Geo-Economics and Indo-Pacific Security Competition. \u003cem\u003eInternational Affairs\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e96\u003c/em\u003e(1), 169\u0026ndash;187. https://doi.org/10.1093/ia/iiz240\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcLeod, D. M., \u0026amp; Detenber, B. H. (1999). Framing Effects of Television News Coverage of Social Protest. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Communication\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e49\u003c/em\u003e(3), 3\u0026ndash;23. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.1999.tb02802.x\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcQuail, D. (2010). \u003cem\u003eMcQuail\u0026rsquo;s Mass Communication Theory\u003c/em\u003e (6th ed.). Sage publications Inc.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMengzi, F. (2019). The Belt and Road Initiative from Three Theoretical Perspectives. \u003cem\u003eContemporary International Relations\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eApril\u003c/em\u003e, 1\u0026ndash;33. http://www.cicir.ac.cn/UpFiles/file/20200227/6371841699726745496853430.pdf\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoFA. (2015). \u003cem\u003eWang Yi Holds Talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bd Pandey of Nepal\u003c/em\u003e. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People\u0026rsquo;s Republic of China(MFA).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMurton, G., \u0026amp; Lord, A. (2020). Trans-Himalayan Power Corridors: Infrastructural Politics and China\u0026rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative in Nepal. \u003cem\u003ePolitical Geography\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e77\u003c/em\u003e(January 2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2019.102100\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNiu, S., \u0026amp; Relly, J. E. (2021). Framing China\u0026rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative by U.S. and Indian News Media (2013\u0026ndash;2018). \u003cem\u003eNewspaper Research Journal\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e42\u003c/em\u003e(2), 270\u0026ndash;287. https://doi.org/10.1177/07395329211018864\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePan, Z., \u0026amp; Kosicki, G. M. (1993). Framing Analysis: An Approach to News Discourse. \u003cem\u003ePolitical Communication\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e10\u003c/em\u003e(1), 55\u0026ndash;75. https://doi.org/10.1080/10584609.1993.9962963\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaudel, D., \u0026amp; Billon, P. Le. (2018). Geo-Logics of Power: Disaster Capitalism , Himalayan Materialities, and the Geopolitical Economy of Reconstruction in Post-Earthquake Nepal. \u003cem\u003eGeopolitics\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e0045\u003c/em\u003e. https://doi.org/10.1080/14650045.2018.1533818\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerry, D. K. (1990). News Reading, Knowledge About, and Attitudes Toward Foreign Countries. \u003cem\u003eJournalism Quarterly\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e67\u003c/em\u003e(2), 353\u0026ndash;358.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerse, E. M. (1998). Implications of Cognitive and Affective Involvement of Channel. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Communication\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e48\u003c/em\u003e(3), 49\u0026ndash;68.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilo, G. (1994). The Media in a Class Society. In G. Philo (Ed.), \u003cem\u003eGlasgow Media Group Reader Volume 2: Industry, Economy, War and Politics\u003c/em\u003e (pp. 176\u0026ndash;184). Routledge.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePokharel, K. (2011). \u003cem\u003eInternational Studies\u003c/em\u003e. M.K. publishers and distributers.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrappacher, M. (2020). \u003cem\u003eNepal\u0026rsquo;s Incentives in China\u0026rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative: Experiences and Imaginations\u003c/em\u003e. Albert- Ludwigs-Universitat.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrasai, K. (2023). The Belt and Road Initiative in Nepal: Potential Impacts and Implications. \u003cem\u003eHumang Gerography\u003c/em\u003e. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/19427786231198188\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePride, V., Tewksbury, D., \u0026amp; Power, E. (1997). Switching Trains of Thought: The Impact of News Frames on Readers\u0026rsquo; Cognitive Responses. \u003cem\u003eCommunication Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e24\u003c/em\u003e(5), 481\u0026ndash;506. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/009365097024005002\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReese, S. D. (2007). The Framing Project: A Bridging Model for Media Research Revisited. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Communication\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e57\u003c/em\u003e(1), 148\u0026ndash;154. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00334.x\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRiffe, D. (1996). Linking International News to US Interests: A Content Analysis. \u003cem\u003eInternational Communication Bulletin\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e31\u003c/em\u003e(1\u0026ndash;2), 14\u0026ndash;18.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRose, L. E. (1971). \u003cem\u003eNepal Strategy for Survival\u003c/em\u003e. University of California Press.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalwen, M. B., \u0026amp; Matera, F. . (1992). Public Salience of Foreign Nations. \u003cem\u003eJournalism Quarterly\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e69\u003c/em\u003e(3), 623\u0026ndash;632.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSapkota, R. (2013). \u003cem\u003e尼泊尔\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e中国\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e印度三方三边合作模式的前景展望\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e(\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e硕士学位论文\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e,\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e山东大学\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e (Prospects of Nepal-China-India Trilateral Cooperation: A Perspective from Nepal)\u003c/em\u003e [Shandong University]. https://kns.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx?dbname=CMFD202201\u0026amp;filename=1013223175.nh\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScheufele, D. A. (1999). Framing as s Theory of Media Effects. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Communication\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e49\u003c/em\u003e(1), 103\u0026ndash;122.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSchudson, M. (1989). The Sociology of News Production. \u003cem\u003eMedia, Culture \u0026amp; Society\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e11\u003c/em\u003e(3), 263\u0026ndash;282. https://doi.org/10.1177/016344389011003002\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShoemaker, P., Chang, T., \u0026amp; Brendlinger, N. (1986). Deviance as a Predictor of Newsworthiness: Coverage of International Events in the US Media. \u003cem\u003eCommunication Yearbook\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e10\u003c/em\u003e, 348\u0026ndash;365.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShrerstha, M. B. (2018). Cooperation on Finance Between China and Nepal: Belt and Road Initiatives and Investment Opportunities in Nepal. \u003cem\u003eThe Journal of Finance and Data Science\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e3\u003c/em\u003e(1\u0026ndash;4), 31\u0026ndash;37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfds.2017.09.004\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShrestha, H. L. (2015). \u003cem\u003eSixty Years of Dynamic Partnership\u003c/em\u003e. Nepal-China Society.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTeo, H. C., Lechner, A. M., Walton, G. W., Ka, F., Chan, S., Cheshmehzangi, A., Tan-mullins, M., Chan, H. K., Sternberg, T., \u0026amp; Campos-arceiz, A. (2019). Environmental Impacts of Infrastructure Development under the Belt and Road Initiative. \u003cem\u003eEnviorments\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e6\u003c/em\u003e(6). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/environments6060072\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurcsanyi, R., \u0026amp; Kachlikova, E. (2020). The BRI and China\u0026rsquo;s Soft Power in Europe : Why Chinese Narratives (Initially) Won. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Current Chinese Affairs\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e49\u003c/em\u003e(1), 58\u0026ndash;81. https://doi.org/10.1177/1868102620963134\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVan Dijk, T. A. (1985). Structures of News in the Press. In T. A. Van Dijk (Ed.), \u003cem\u003eDiscourse and communication: New approaches to the analysis of mass media discourse and communication\u003c/em\u003e (pp. 69\u0026ndash;73). W. de Gruyter.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWang, X., Shoemaker, P., Han, G., \u0026amp; Storm, E. (2008). Images of Nations in the Eyes of American Educational Elites. \u003cem\u003eAmerican Journal of Media Psychology\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e1\u003c/em\u003e(1), 36\u0026ndash;60.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWright, P. L. (1975). Consumer Choice Strategies: Simplifying vs Optimizing. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Marketing Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e11\u003c/em\u003e, 60\u0026ndash;67.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXi, J. (2014). \u003cem\u003eThe Governance of China-I\u003c/em\u003e (p. 619).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXi, J. (2018). Work Together to Build the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. In \u003cem\u003eThe Governace of China I\u003c/em\u003e (2nd ed., pp. 470\u0026ndash;475). Foreign Language Press.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYang, H., \u0026amp; Gorp, B. Van. (2021). A Frame Analysis of Political-Media Discourse on the Belt and Road Initiative: Evidence From China, Australia, India, Japan, The United Kingdom, and The United States. \u003cem\u003eCambridge Review of International Affairs\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e36\u003c/em\u003e(5). https://doi.org/10.1080/09557571.2021.1968794\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZhang, D., Mohsin, M., Rasheed, A. K., Chang, Y., \u0026amp; Taghizadeh-Hesary, F. (2021). Public Spending and Green Economic Growth in BRI Region: The Mediating Role of Green Finance. \u003cem\u003eEnergy Policy\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e153\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"humanities-and-social-sciences-communications","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"palcomms","sideBox":"Learn more about [Humanities \u0026 Social Sciences Communications](http://www.nature.com/palcomms/)","snPcode":"41599","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/41599/3","title":"Humanities and Social Sciences Communications","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Nature AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6380233/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6380233/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis paper examines the image of China and BRI reflected in the three Nepalese domestic print media, based on 215 contents published from 14 March 2017 to 16 July 2017, following a mixed-method approach. The findings are based on content analysis: this paper found that the image of China during the period was positive (39%) with a lower percentage of negative tones (28%) reflected in news, editorials, opinions, remarks, and interviews. The subject areas of infrastructure, development, and economic prosperity dominated the positive tones. Based on media framing theory, the results highlight five key elements: 1) The political image is to some \"sceptical but prominent\" friends; 2) China's economic image is framed as a \u0026ldquo;friend in weal and woe\u0026rdquo; for economic growth of Nepal; 3) the infrastructure and development image is framed as \u0026ldquo;foremost for renaissance of Nepal and South Asia\u0026rdquo;; 4) they portray the strategic aspect as \u0026ldquo;attentive yet non-aggressive\u0026rdquo;; 5) they portray cultural exchanges as fruitful and bonding. Finally, due to political parallelism, media outlets shape the images of China and BRI differently yet in similar ways.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Crossroads of Belt and Road Initiative: The image framing of China in Nepali print media","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-05-16 11:45:37","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6380233/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-06-10T09:48:54+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-06-01T04:08:14+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"335855680962911529474124991323178164955","date":"2025-05-16T12:51:56+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"11507880159198791304292747196663229799","date":"2025-05-16T08:36:15+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"312367496246812156695942664685506951368","date":"2025-05-16T04:40:55+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"11843378928185219226512963000853040400","date":"2025-05-16T03:36:28+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-05-15T17:19:45+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"208056226439264478005331682911289799781","date":"2025-05-12T07:07:22+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-05-12T06:08:23+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-05-11T18:25:03+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-05-03T11:26:07+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-04-22T10:48:37+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Humanities and Social Sciences Communications","date":"2025-04-05T06:35:38+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"humanities-and-social-sciences-communications","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"palcomms","sideBox":"Learn more about [Humanities \u0026 Social Sciences Communications](http://www.nature.com/palcomms/)","snPcode":"41599","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/41599/3","title":"Humanities and Social Sciences Communications","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Nature AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"07605320-b7b2-4ee9-a7fa-938841047cb4","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 16th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[{"id":48425013,"name":"Humanities/Cultural and media studies"},{"id":48425014,"name":"Social science/Politics and international relations"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-02-13T07:23:17+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-05-16 11:45:37","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6380233","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6380233","identity":"rs-6380233","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}