Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book suggests that Sino-globalization is central to understanding the changing power equations in contemporary world politics and focuses on the domestic context of the globalization of China's media. It examines the dynamics of the encounter between Chinese state television and the global media environment in the era of media convergence. The book also examines the strategic context of China's 'media going global' project, analysing the rationale, the methods and the beliefs underlying the policy and its implementation. It discusses how the English-language China Daily is embracing the concept of public diplomacy – the engagement and communication with foreign publics – with an enthusiasm rarely seen in other parts of the world. The book also focuses on the growing internationalization of the Chinese documentary. It examines the Chinese media's presence in Africa and locates it within structural theories of centre–periphery relationships.