| Abstract [eng] |
The main problem of this research is rooted in the struggle to understand what influences the ambiguous opinion in Lithuanian society towards questions related to China. The selected approach of analysis of the rhetoric coming from Lithuanian politicians and public figures provides a unique perspective of exploring what could, to a certain extent, be influencing Lithuanian society. The main question of this master’s thesis – what are the Chinese soft power frames in the rhetoric of Lithuanian politicians and public figures, and how are they expressed? In order to achieve the described goal the author aimed to identify the politicians and public figures, who have expressed Chinese soft power aspects in their rhetoric and to investigate the rhetoric of the identified individuals based on qualitative inductive content analysis. The established theoretical framework of this research was the Chinese soft power concept, based on Nye’s soft power theory, as well as the framing theory. The research revealed that the majority of frames found in the rhetoric of analysed politicians and public figures resemble a discursive element of Chinese soft power. It was found that such depiction is revealed variously in the analysed data. Foremost, frames questioning Lithuania’s review of its relations with China were found, which, in addition, were most abundant. This notion was by far most commonly projected through the Lithuania is at fault frame, which was expressed as objections to the current political leadership for the executed foreign policy against China. However, examples of such notion were conveyed through the unprecedented policy frame as well, which manifested as a notion that other countries are executing their respective foreign policies towards China differently. The discursive element of Chinese soft power was also resembled by a group of frames which countered or promoted certain narratives on topics that are sensitive to China. For instance, the sovereignty frame was portrayed as reiteration of Beijing’s perception of its sovereignty, while the support for Taiwan is excessive frame was characterised as ambiguity of Taiwan’s independence aspirations. Also, one example of the treatment of Uyghurs is legitimate frame was found, which countered the narrative of human rights violations in China. Additionally, a discursive element of Chinese soft power is evident through China’s positioning as a harmonious partner, which was described by the peaceful partner frame. Furthermore, it was also found that the frames of economic origin, that resembled an economic element of Chinese soft power, were also abundant. Two frames of such type were indicated – the irreplaceable partner frame and the lucrative partner frame. The former was voiced through a perception that demise in cooperation between Lithuania and China will cause harsh consequences for the economy of the Baltic state, although examples of highlighting China’s economic importance for Lithuania as not replicable were also detected, while the latter was projected as recognition of the partnership between Lithuania and China as beneficial or illustration of China as a provider of economic benefits in other countries. Finally, the research also revealed that no frames, which indicate the resemblance of such Chinese soft power resources as the aid efforts or the cultural toolkit, were found in the rhetoric of analysed politicians and public figures. Recommendations: it would be relevant to continue the research on Chinese soft power in Lithuania by exploring Beijing’s official positions in Lithuanian information space. Moreover, it would be meaningful to research the rhetoric of Lithuanian politicians and public figures in which the foreign policy of Lithuania is justified in order to identify the counter-frames and assess how these are conveyed. |
