The policies of a country play an integral part in understanding the basic principles by which society is guided, as well as how a government determines courses of action for the population. The...Show moreThe policies of a country play an integral part in understanding the basic principles by which society is guided, as well as how a government determines courses of action for the population. The focus of this thesis falls on the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang, and their relationship with the Chinese government and ethnic policies. Additionally, the way these policies specifically target the Uyghur minority and the effects they have on the group’s assimilation into the core Chinese society. This requires the analysis of three policies implemented by the Chinese government which directly influence the Uyghur population; language, education and child bearing policies.Show less
As Chinese domestic tourism to Tibet continues to grow, understanding the mechanisms and ‘effects’ of such ethnic tourism becomes increasingly important. The historical story of the marriage...Show moreAs Chinese domestic tourism to Tibet continues to grow, understanding the mechanisms and ‘effects’ of such ethnic tourism becomes increasingly important. The historical story of the marriage between the Chinese princess Wencheng and the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo is commonly known in China and employed by the Chinese government to legitimize their modern rule over Tibet. This study uses Critical Discourse Analysis to research a theater play of this story, and the presence of this story in Tibet’s many tourist sites. The results of the analysis reveal a process that shows how state-directed stories could become commonly regarded as ‘true’, with tourism as the primary vehicle to advance such a process. I argue that such a process can be found in other cases as well, and is not unique to the story of princess Wencheng.Show less
This Bachelor Thesis explores the Chinese strategy "Peaceful Rise" under the Chinese President Xi Jinping as perceived and expressed by the German chancellor Angela Merkel in her speeches from 2014...Show moreThis Bachelor Thesis explores the Chinese strategy "Peaceful Rise" under the Chinese President Xi Jinping as perceived and expressed by the German chancellor Angela Merkel in her speeches from 2014 until April 2019. The study was conducted through a frame analysis in the context of the Shannon and Weaver communication model. The speeches were chosen according to the occurence of the keyword "China" (mentioned at least four times). The four frames identified in the official political speeches are (1) China as an opportunity, (2) China as a global power, (3) China as a role model, and (4) China as a threat. In the context of previous research, economic cooperation remained the main factor in advancing diplomatic relations between Germany and China. Chinese competition in regards to financial institutions (AIIB) and the Emission Trading System (ETS) were presented under the "China as a threat" frame by Angela Merkel. A possible explanation is the shortfall or missing initiatives in those aspects by the European and/or German institutions. More so, this research suggests to expand the term smart power by the elements of normative power in the context of the Chinese development. To expand on this thesis, further research is recommended in regards to the Chinese culture as perceived abroad. Furthermore, a media perspective could give insights about the question, whether political and media publications differ in their perception on the Chinese "Peaceful Rise" and analyze which medium is more effective in addressing the audience.Show less
In January 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping commemorated the 40th anniversary of the historical 'Message to Compatriots in Taiwan' with a speech that reiterated that Taiwan's sole sovereign...Show moreIn January 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping commemorated the 40th anniversary of the historical 'Message to Compatriots in Taiwan' with a speech that reiterated that Taiwan's sole sovereign government is that of the People's Republic of China and that Taiwan must reunify with China as such. Xi's speech was celebrated in the Chinese state media but heavily criticised in the Taiwanese news. This thesis looks at Chinese official discourse in both official speeches and state-owned newspaper articles and argues the close relationship between the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese state media allows for the unified promotion of the 'one China' principle in order to justify increasingly aggressive cross-strait rhetoric and policy.Show less
The events of the 9/11 and the beginning of the global war on terror increased the securitization of Islamist terrorism in political discourses in order to justify the enactment of exceptional...Show moreThe events of the 9/11 and the beginning of the global war on terror increased the securitization of Islamist terrorism in political discourses in order to justify the enactment of exceptional measures by governments. Although being situated on the two extreme ends of the political spectrum, both French and Chinese governments engage in the securitization of Islamist terrorism. This thesis analyses how political discourses securitize Islamist terrorism comparatively in China and France. It relies on critical discourse analysis to analyze political discursive securitizing practices while situating textual elements in historical backgrounds to further understand securitization. Finally, it compares securitizations in China and France by highlighting the similarities and the differences between processes in both countries.Show less
This research analyses three speeches by President Xi Jinping to examine the narrative he creates around the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The outcome of the study is twofold. Firstly, the...Show moreThis research analyses three speeches by President Xi Jinping to examine the narrative he creates around the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The outcome of the study is twofold. Firstly, the findings suggest that the Chinese government creates a narrative of continuity in China’s foreign policy by appealing to China’s soft power, including Chinese history and cultural values. Second, the speeches form an invitation to the world to adhere to China’s principles and follow its path of development.Show less
