China in Africa: Another BRIC in the wall?

1. China in Africa: Another BRIC in the wall? Herman Wasserman

2. 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

3. 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’? China in Africa

4. 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 South Africa: China

5. 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? Controversial relationship

6. 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 Questions

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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 Findings

11. Research Question 3: How does coverage of China compare to coverage of other BRIC countries? Findings

12. 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 Findings

13. 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…. Preliminary conclusion

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20. 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 New observations

21. 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

22. Thank you