This research examines political narrative construction in Cross-Strait relations by analyzing Taiwanese and Chinese military videos on social media. Written amidst intensifying Cross-Strait...Show moreThis research examines political narrative construction in Cross-Strait relations by analyzing Taiwanese and Chinese military videos on social media. Written amidst intensifying Cross-Strait tensions, this thesis seeks to understand how such moving images can contribute to shaping narratives, specifically the interplay between military displays and their online representation. Through a comprehensive application of Multimodal Discourse Analysis and Social Semiotic Analysis, this study qualitatively deconstructs these videos, paying close attention to how language, power, and ideology intertwine within the scope of international relations. The findings suggest that these videos create distinct yet intertwined narratives of national strength and military readiness. While China’s narrative underscores the ‘Chinese Dream’ and ‘national reunification’, Taiwan’s narrative leans more towards its unique identity, self-determination and democratic values. Hence, this thesis highlights the fundamental role of social media in influencing diplomatic perceptions. It also provides new insights by analyzing Taiwan's strategic self-promotion, enhancing our comprehension of the island’s role in international relations. Lastly, this research reveals the rising influence of military diplomacy in the Cross-Strait context, paving the way for future research in this direction.Show less
