TITLE:
The Role of the Chinese Media in Establishing Common Ground between Sino-African Philosophical Traditions: A Case Study on Peacekeeping Operations
AUTHORS:
Fanie Herman, Andrew Szanajda
KEYWORDS:
Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs); Communitarianism; Confucius; Ubuntu; Positive Reporting
JOURNAL NAME:
Chinese Studies,
Vol.2 No.1,
February
28,
2013
ABSTRACT: This work examines the role of the Chinese media in African peacekeeping operations (PKOs) in view of Chinese and African traditions that are combined through the concept of communitarianism. The values and belief systems of Confucianism and the African philosophy of Ubuntu in the peacekeeping environment stress the importance of focusing on collective achievements and producing results for the common good. Meanwhile, positive reporting is used as media approach to harmonize interaction between the peacekeepers and the parties in a conflict. As a result, as similar communal features are emphasized, value is added to China’s peacekeeping presence and confidence-building is encouraged. The Chinese media also has a good resonance on the perspectives of Africans toward China’s PKOs.