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Chinese media representation of Japanese children adopted by Chinese after World War II

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Author

  • Elvis Söderlund

Summary, in English

This thesis examines how Chinese media reports published between 2010 and 2024 present the subject of the Japanese war orphans in China after World War II. How are Japanese war orphans depicted in official Chinese media? The use of emotional language and connotative word use is analysed in 18 articles published by Chinese state-owned news agencies. By analysing the historical, political and social perspectives, as well as the production and distribution of the articles, the underlying causes and framework behind the media portrayal is examined. This will answer the sub question of what can be learned about Sino-Japanese relations from these depictions. The thesis suggests that the political climate and the historical landscape have led the media to use the Japanese war orphans as an example of the greatness and moral superiority of the Chinese people, while criticising Japan for their wartime and post-wartime actions. It also highlights that politics and history play an important role in shaping media framing, which may be used to influence public opinion.

Publishing year

2025

Language

English

Document type

Student publication for Bachelor's degree

Topic

  • Social Sciences
  • Languages and Literatures

Keywords

  • Japanese war orphans
  • propaganda
  • Chinese news media
  • news framing
  • Sino-Japanese bilateral relations
  • militarization 日本遗孤，宣传，中文媒体，新闻议题框架，中日关系，军事化

Supervisor

  • Jinyan Zeng
  • Benjamin Davies