This research aims to analyze the process of discursive performance through the editorial texts of Huanqiu Shibao on Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan using critical discourse analysis methodology. The study focuses on the phase shifts through discursive ord...
This research aims to analyze the process of discursive performance through the editorial texts of Huanqiu Shibao on Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan using critical discourse analysis methodology. The study focuses on the phase shifts through discursive order formation and intertextuality to explore counter-ideology. First, the analysis of the editorials is categorized into three phases: 1) editorials published before Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, 2) editorials published after Pelosi's arrival in Taiwan, and 3) editorials reinterpreting Taiwan’s current international status from a historical perspective. The study reveals that Huanqiu Shibao constructed a war frame before Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, with intimidation, blame-shifting, and war legitimization as key features. After Pelosi’s visit, the newspaper framed the visit as an “unauthorized visit to Taiwan” and condemned Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party while formalizing the “one China principle.” In the final three editorials, the newspaper reinterprets Taiwan’s current international status from a historical perspective and aggressively engages in media confrontation with the United States. Second, the paper’s analysis of intertextuality cases shows that “those who play with fire will perish by it, Wanhuozifen” is a trigger word used in blackmail and warfare framing, which is a concept that threatens the US for interfering in the Taiwan issue and represents the stage before Pelosi's visit. The One-China Principle represents China’s view that Taiwan is a domestic issue while and One-China Policy characterizes the US’ view that it is an international issue. The US has conducted economic, diplomatic, and arms sales with Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act since 1979, using a strategy of “strategic ambiguity.” Chinese authorities accuse the US of disrupting the stability of the Taiwan Strait with Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, but US media respond by stating they have done nothing illegal according to the US-China joint statement. The editorials on August 3, 5, 8, 11, and 16 discuss the violation of the One-China Principle, the importance of the “one-China” symbol, peaceful reunification, and the appropriating of the word “peace” to sway international and Taiwanese public opinion. The August 11 editorial discusses the Chinese government’s white paper on Taiwan reunification and emphasizes the importance of peaceful reunification, while also stating that force could be used if necessary.