Reframing the Arab World: Arab Images in China’s Media and Perceptions among Chinese Gen Z

الملخص

This paper explores the images of the Arab world in China’s media and perceptions among Chinese Generation Z and examines how media representations and demographic factors shape their perceptions about the Arab world. Employing media representation theory and social cognitive theory, the paper adopts mixed methods by resorting to content analysis of Chinese media and a survey among Gen Z youth. The paper has found a predominantly neutral to positive portrayal of the Arab world in Chinese media (including mainstream and social media). Social media emphasized cultural exchanges and lifestyles while mainstream media focused on international affairs in the Arab world. Survey results indicate that Chinese youth hold nuanced, generally favorable perceptions of Arab countries, associating them with rich cultural heritage, religious traditions and modernization, with minimal emphasis on negative stereotypes.  Demographic factors showed no significant impacts, whereas media uses and intergroup contacts weakly correlated with positive attitudes and reduced stereotypes. The study has highlighted the reframing role of Chinese media narratives in fostering nuanced cross-cultural understanding on the Arab world, suggesting longitudinal trends and mechanisms of prejudice reduction.