A Comparative Study of China's Ecological Image Constructed by Chinese and British Media Discourse on the Belt and Road Initiative in 2023 Based on Transitivity System

Abstract

The paper adopts a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to compare China’s ecological image constructed in the Belt and Road Initiative Reports in 2023 between China Daily and Reuters. It finds that China Daily's news reports on the Belt and Road involve material processes (59.8%)> verbal processes (19.5%) >mental processes (12.6%)>relational processes (6.6%)> existential processes (1.5%). Reuters’ news reports on the Belt and Road involve material processes (52.1%)>verbal processes (26.1%)>relational processes (16.1%), existential processes (3.8%)>mental processes (1.9%). The use of transitivity in the China Daily constructs an ecological image that is committed to rejecting political struggles, and pursuing peaceful and green development. In contrast, Reuters’s use of transitivity constructs an ecological image that pursues green development, but with an arrogant posture. The reason for the difference is that China Daily is influenced by the Chinese government’s ideology and political aims, while Reuters is influenced by Western values and strategic considerations of China's threat.