EU perceptions in Northeast Asia: a cross-national comparative study of press coverage and citizens’ opinion

Abstract

This study provides a unique and innovative comparative investigation of the press coverage and citizens' opinion towards the European Union (EU) and its bilateral relations with the three most important Northeast Asian countries, People's Republic of China, Japan and South Korea. On the basis of media content analysis of mainstream national newspapers and opinion surveys of the general public and elite stakeholders, the analysis explores the extent to which media agenda and framing, the shared interests between the EU and the respective country, and social and personal connections influence citizens' opinions of the EU and its bilateral relations in these three countries.

Public Attitude and Opinion Leaders: Mapping Chinese Discussion of EU's Energy Role on Social Media

“…On EU–China energy issues, past research showed that the EU's environment and energy role was almost invisible in the Chinese mainstream media (Chaban and Holland, 2014; Zhang, 2010), and more recent analysis indicates that China has yet to view the EU as a prominent global energy player or a major energy partner (Lai and Shi, 2017). These findings are mainly based on traditional media analysis and interviews with China's elite.…”