Herman Wasserman

* China in Africa: Another BRIC in the wall?

*China in Africa*Look at SA in relation to other BRICS countries, as mediated in news media*South Africa a recent entrant to BRICS club of emerging nations – renewed media focus on relationship with other BRICS nations*Among these – China one of most contentious partners, receives much media attention*‘The Rise of ChinAfrica’ –’one of the most striking developments of 21st century geopolitics’ and ‘one of reasons why Africa’s economy one of fast-growing regions’

*China in Africa*Renewed interest in Africa since 1990s – economic growth requires new sources of energy and resources*Steep rise in trade: 10-fold increase 2000-2010. Continent’s biggest trading partner. *Concern about labour practices, support for undemocratic regimes, impact on local industry *But also fewer strings attached to aid – non-interference in domestic policies*Africa historically ‘a horse – Western brutal rider, beating the horse, Chinese rider gives carrots’*Questions asked in media : new type of imperialism? ‘Scramble for Africa’? ‘Partner or predator’?

*South Africa: China*During apartheid China supported liberation

movements*Formal relationship initiated shortly after democratic transition*China now top exporter to and importer from SA*China’s invitation to SA in 2010 to join BRIC formation - confirmation of growing political-economic ties*Part of larger geopolitical shifts and changing geography of international relations*But involvement not unequivocally welcomed. *How South African media reports on China - volume and tone and in relation to other BRIC countries, over 3 years

*Controversial relationship

*Literature in West: China in Africa portrayed in binary terms: ‘predator or partner’; ‘friend or foe’; ‘comrade or colonizer’*Orientalist Stereotypes (‘yellow peril’, ‘Fu Manchu’)*Western powers fear undermining of ‘good governance’ agenda*Paul Zeleza: *Western commentary ‘hysterical and hypocritical’, decrying China’s growing involvement*Bemoaning loss of Euro-American hegemony*Frames: Imperialism, globalization, solidarity

*How does this play out in South African media?

*Questions*Was the coverage of China in the South African media predominantly positive or negative in the period 2009-2012?*How did coverage of China change during the period, compared with a similar previous study (De Beer & Schreiner 2009) conducted in 2009 which found reporting not overly negative?*How does coverage of China compare to coverage of other BRIC countries? *Analysis of major mainstream media (TV news, newspapers, radio stations) – MT data: 2010-2011, follow up with new data 2012

*Findings

Research question 1: Was the coverage of China in the South African media predominantly positive or negative in the period 2010-2011?

*Findings*Research question 1: Was the coverage of China in the South African media predominantly positive or negative in the period 2010-2011?

*China newsworthy in general news as well as in business news *Coverage in outlets with highest volume – fairly balanced*Even after announcement of accession to BRICS – majority neutral statements in top outlets

*Findings

Research Question 2: How did coverage of China during the 2010-2011 period compare with a similar previous study (De Beer & Schreiner 2009) conducted in 2009?

*Findings*Research Question 2: How did coverage of China during the 2010-2011 period compare with a similar previous study (De Beer & Schreiner 2009) conducted in 2009?*Continuation of trend of cautious optimism at start*Then dip – attributed to natural disasters (earthquake, flooding)*Disasters still dominate foreign news values*Negative news topics but not necessarily negative attitude

*FindingsResearch Question 3: How does coverage of China compare to coverage of other BRIC countries?

*Findings*China topped volume of coverage in 2010 – double of India*Brazil and Russia fell far short*India and China together still leading in 2011*‘Chindia’ emerging as a focal point for SA media*Statements not overwhelmingly negative or positive – overall balanced picture

*Preliminary conclusion*Contra literature – not binary

representation *Last 3 years (including previous study): balanced view of China emerging*Cautiously optimistic attitude in mainstream media – not pigeonholed as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ story*China firm place on news agenda – likely to stay there*But….

*New observations

Russia

Brazil

India

China

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400

SA's profile in BRIC media: Jan 2011 - Mar 2012

Negative Neutral Positive

*New observations

2009 2010 2011 Jan - Mar 2012-40%

-30%

-20%

-10%

0%

10%

20%

30%

Ratings of SA media coverage on BRIC countries over time

Russia Brazil China India

2009 2010 2011 Jan - Mar 20120

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Volume of SA media coverage on BRIC countries over time

Russia Brazil China India

*New observations

Water sportsAccidents

International politicsProducts

Mergers/co-operationsProcurement of capital

Perceptions of companiesExecutives/management

Companies' market positionEconomic situation

0 20 40 60 80 100120140160180200

Volume

Number of reports

Water sports

Accidents

International politics

Products

Mergers/co-operations

Procurement of capital

Perceptions of companies

Executives/management

Companies' market position

Economic situation

0% 10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Ratings

Negative Neutral Positive

*New observations

2009

2010

2011

2012

-800

-600

-400

-200

0

200

400

600

800

-100%-80%-60%-40%-20%0%20%40%60%80%100%

Volume and ratings of coverage on SA by Chinese media

Number of reports Ratings

*New observations

2009 2010 2011 20120

100200300400500600700800

Volume of coverage on SA by BRIC media over time

Russia Brazil China India

2009 2010 2011 2012-50%-40%-30%-20%-10%

0%10%20%30%40%50%

Ratings of coverage on SA by BRIC media over time

Russia Brazil China India

Products Foreign policy

CultureAccidents

EnergyNon political crime

EnvironmentInternational politics

International tradeEconomic situation

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Volume

Number of reports

*New observations

Products

Foreign policy

Culture

Accidents

Energy

Non political crime

Environment

International politics

International trade

Economic situation

0% 10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Ratings

Negative Neutral Positive

*New observations*Negative coverage on China further decreased*China remains in strong focus*Strong economic focus, little social coverage*Product quality not an issue*Chinese media on SA less positive due to crime and accidents* Favourable reporting on foreign policy and international trade*Economy dominating coverage, little social focus

*Conclusion• Picture of China in SA media not as

negative as would have expected from literature

• Improving over last years• Economic opportunities offered by China

received most attention• Suggest SA media largely business-

oriented in its coverage of BRICS relationships

• Economic interest supersedes political interest

*Thank you