A Data-based Research on China’s National Image in COVID-19 Epidemic Reports Covered by German Mainstream Media

Abstract

During the COVID-19 epidemic, China became the focus of international public opinions, and its national image was put to the test. This paper collects and organizes China-related reports on the COVID-19 epidemic from the German weekly magazine Der Spiegel, and summarizes the image of China portrayed by the German mainstream media in the reports of the COVID-19 epidemic by adopting the method of content analysis and data analysis. It also analyzes the reasons for the negative reports by the German media from several aspects, including reporting tradition, market pressure and value differences, and proposes that China should adjust its foreign publicity strategies timely and appropriately to build a positive image in international community.