CHINA THREAT THEORY: A CULTURAL INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE MASS MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE 19TH CONGRESS

Abstract

This study examines the skepticism of the Western societies towards China's growth which manifests itself on the Western mass media coverage of the Chinese Communist Party's 19th congress based on cultural-institutional approach. Cultural-institutional perspective of China Threat theory which is offering more appropriate arguments emphasizes China's non-democratic, authoritarian political system. It also examines the insecurity of China towards the Western hemisphere due to its historical experiences. It is argued that China did not leave the peaceful development policy after the 19th congress which has dominated China's foreign policy since 2003. Chinese policy towards North Korean Crisis has been chosen as the case for supporting the arguments of the study.