China’s expanding global economic presence has made economic diplomacy a crucial part of its international relations strategy. This diplomacy involves a wide range of activities, including trade negotiations, foreign investments, multilateral agreements, and international partnerships. In this context, state-owned media outlets like Economic Daily and China Economic Net (CEN) play a significant role in shaping the narrative surrounding the country’s economic initiatives. These platforms not only cover China’s domestic economic policies but also act as key tools for communicating its global economic diplomacy.
During our visit to CEN with Cui Jun, President of CEN, we explored how Economic Daily and CEN function as instruments of economic diplomacy, reporting on China’s global trade agreements, economic partnerships, and foreign policy initiatives. We also examined their role in promoting major economic projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to both domestic and international audiences.
Economic Journalism as a Tool of Diplomacy
In the modern age of globalized communication, media has become an indispensable tool for promoting a country’s foreign policy objectives. Economic journalism, in particular, plays a vital role in fostering international relationships by communicating the goals and outcomes of a country’s economic strategies to foreign stakeholders.
For China, economic diplomacy is about projecting its economic model, securing international partnerships, and shaping the global narrative on issues such as trade, development, and investment. Economic Daily and CEN, two of China’s leading economic news platforms, are crucial in disseminating information about China’s economic activities abroad. These platforms serve as channels through which China’s economic diplomacy is communicated and explained to the world.
Reporting on Global Trade Agreements and Partnerships
One of the core functions of Economic Daily and CEN is to provide detailed reporting on China’s involvement in global trade agreements and partnerships. Whether covering bilateral trade negotiations with key partners or multilateral engagements in forums like the World Trade Organization (WTO), these platforms are instrumental in showcasing China’s role in the global economy.
1. Comprehensive Coverage of Trade Negotiations
Through their reporting, Economic Daily and CEN offer in-depth coverage of trade negotiations involving China, including free trade agreements (FTAs) and strategic partnerships. Their reports often highlight the economic benefits of these agreements for both China and its trading partners. Additionally, they emphasize how these partnerships align with China’s broader foreign policy objectives, particularly in the areas of sustainable development and shared prosperity.
For instance, during negotiations surrounding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Economic Daily provided extensive coverage of China’s leadership role in promoting the agreement. The publication outlined the benefits of RCEP for both the regional and global economy, underscoring China’s commitment to open trade and multilateralism.
2. Promoting Economic Partnerships and Investments
CEN, with its strong digital presence and multilingual platforms, plays an equally important role in promoting China’s foreign investments and economic partnerships. Its reporting on China’s foreign direct investment (FDI) activities showcases how Chinese businesses are expanding their global presence and forging partnerships with countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
By reporting on investment projects and joint ventures, CEN helps to communicate China’s economic strengths and ambitions to international audiences. These stories often focus on the benefits of Chinese investments for host countries, such as infrastructure development, job creation, and technological innovation.
Communicating China’s Economic Policy to Global Audiences
In addition to reporting on trade agreements and partnerships, Economic Daily and CEN are key instruments in conveying China’s foreign economic policy to the global community. This includes explaining China’s development strategies, economic reforms, and international initiatives, particularly as they relate to global economic governance and sustainable development.
1. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Perhaps the most significant example of Economic Daily and CEN’s role in promoting China’s economic diplomacy is their coverage of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Launched in 2013, the BRI is a cornerstone of China’s international economic policy, aimed at fostering infrastructure development and economic connectivity across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond.
Both Economic Daily and CEN have been instrumental in shaping the global narrative around the BRI. Their reporting highlights the strategic goals of the initiative, such as promoting trade, investment, and regional cooperation. These outlets also emphasize the positive impact of BRI projects on participating countries, including improved infrastructure, economic development, and enhanced connectivity.
Through in-depth articles, interviews with key policymakers, and multimedia content, Economic Daily and CEN provide comprehensive coverage of BRI-related developments. They often focus on success stories from various regions, showcasing how Chinese investment is driving economic growth and integration. By doing so, they reinforce China’s message that the BRI is a win-win initiative for all involved, promoting mutual benefit and shared prosperity.
2. Supporting China’s Role in Global Economic Governance
Both Economic Daily and CEN also play a role in promoting China’s participation in global economic governance. China’s increasing involvement in multilateral institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and the G20 is often highlighted in their reporting. This coverage emphasizes China’s contributions to global economic stability, development financing, and its leadership in addressing issues such as poverty reduction, climate change, and global trade imbalances.
For example, during G20 summits, Economic Daily frequently publishes in-depth reports on China’s economic proposals, focusing on how they align with the needs of the global community. CEN, in turn, translates this content into multiple languages, ensuring that international audiences are aware of China’s contributions to global economic governance.
Building a Positive Global Image
One of the key objectives of economic diplomacy is to build a positive national image on the international stage. In this regard, Economic Daily and CEN have a dual mission: to report on China’s economic achievements and to counter narratives that may paint China’s global economic activities in a negative light.
By emphasizing the cooperative and development-oriented nature of China’s foreign economic policies, both platforms help to shape international perceptions. Their coverage often counters accusations of “debt diplomacy” or exploitation, presenting China as a responsible and constructive global player.
In this sense, Economic Daily and CEN act not only as news outlets but also as instruments of soft power. Through their reporting, they contribute to enhancing China’s reputation as a reliable economic partner and leader in global development.
As China continues to expand its influence on the global stage, Economic Daily and CEN are playing a vital role in promoting the country’s economic diplomacy. Through their coverage of trade agreements, foreign investments, and international initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, these media platforms are shaping the global narrative around China’s economic policies.
By highlighting the benefits of China’s economic partnerships and its commitment to shared prosperity, Economic Daily and CEN are helping to communicate China’s economic vision to the world. In doing so, they serve as essential tools in China’s broader economic diplomacy efforts, building bridges between China and the global community.
