Between optimism and apprehension: A media framing analysis of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Nepal

Abstract

This study explores the framing of China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Nepali press. Utilizing a mixed-method sequential research design, it employed content analysis and key informant interviews (KIIs) for primary data. The BRI-related coverage of two English newspapers in Nepal: The Kathmandu Post (TKP) and The Rising Nepal (TRN) published between 2017 to 2024 were analyzed. This research addresses two key questions: What were the dominant frames used by Nepali newspapers in their coverage of the BRI? And, how did the state-run and privately-owned media portray the initiative for Nepali audiences? The findings reveal an overall affirmative framing with a pro-BRI narrative. The "Economic" frame was found predominant, emphasizing the potential economic dividend, infrastructure building, and connectivity opportunities for Nepal. Yet, disparities were observed across newspapers’ coverage. State-run The Rising Nepal presented a more favorable picture of BRI with a strong ‘Economic’ frame and ‘Hope-driven’ narrative, while privately-owned The Kathmandu Post focused on “Economic and ‘Geopolitical’ frames with repeatedly painting an ‘Uncertainty’, ‘Cautious optimistic’ and occasionally ‘Fear-driven’ narrative through highlighting issues like project delays, financial transparency, and its potential implication. This study argues that ownership structure, editorial independence and newsroom orientations significantly shapes media coverage—particularly in the case of BRI reporting, where privately-run press offered diverse perspectives vis-à-vis a more uni-dimensional view of the state-run outlet, largely corroborating the policy of the government.