Framing International Relationship of US and China in Prominent Malaysian Newspapers

Abstract

This study examines the framing of the international relationship between the United States and China in two prominent Malaysian English-language newspapers, The Star and New Straits Times. Using content analysis, the research analyzes 330 articles published in the year 2000 to identify the use of five news frames (economic impact, human interest, morality, conflict, and cooperation) and to compare the news valence (positive, negative, or neutral) associated with U.S. and China-related news. The findings reveal that China-related news more frequently emphasizes economic impact and positive valence, while U.S.-related news is often framed around conflict and tends to be more negative or neutral. Statistical tests indicate significant associations between news frames and valence. For instance, cooperation frames were positively correlated with positive news valence, while conflict frames were strongly associated with negative news valence. These results contribute to framing theory by highlighting how media outlets in Malaysia, a geopolitically strategic country in Southeast Asia, portray the global superpowers, and how economic ties with China may influence more favorable coverage. This study provides insights into the role of media framing in shaping public perceptions of international relations.