MEDIA DISCOURSE AND REGIONAL COOPERATION: THE 2024 CHINESE TWO SESSIONS IN THE LENS OF NEPALI JOURNALISM

Abstract

The Chinese Two Sessions, which occur annually, are crucial in influencing China's political and economic frameworks. The sessions of 2024, held from March 4 to March 11, were especially important as they established the strategic plan for China’s growth and its international relations. However, the representation of these sessions in foreign media, particularly in Nepal, is still insufficiently explored, creating a gap in the understanding of Nepal-China relations. This study aims to investigate how the 2024 Chinese Two Sessions were presented and reported by Nepali news outlets, emphasizing the narratives and viewpoints shared. Through content analysis, we systematically reviewed 15 articles from various Nepali online media published between March 4 and March 15, 2024. The articles were classified into news, features, and opinion pieces to evaluate the main themes and framing techniques. Key elements analyzed included the tone, thematic emphasis, and portrayal of bilateral cooperation and economic development. The findings indicate a strong focus on bilateral cooperation, economic advancement, and China's role in promoting regional stability. In particular, eight articles emphasized the collaborative efforts between China and Nepal, showcasing a shared commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and infrastructure growth. Discussions regarding China's global influence and political stability were also noted, although to a lesser degree. This study highlights the increasing importance of Nepal-China relations in the realm of regional cooperation and development. The positive framing in Nepali media suggests a strategic alignment with China’s developmental goals, indicating potential benefits for Nepal in areas like infrastructure and technology. Enhanced media coverage is recommended to foster informed public discourse and deeper bilateral ties, thereby contributing to mutual understanding and regional stability. This research not only fills a critical gap in the literature but also serves as a foundation for future studies on media representations of international relations.