Kathmandu, June 15 — A newly published study has found that international news organizations have a stronger influence on public opinion regarding China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Myanmar than domestic media outlets.

The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Media, examined how domestic and international news media shape public perceptions of BRI-related developments in Myanmar. The study was conducted by researchers from Shenzhen University's School of Media and Communication, including Zeyar Oo, Yonghong Dai, Xiang Zhou, Lok Bahadur B.K., Ashok Poudel, and Bandana Singh.

To assess media influence, the researchers analyzed 217 articles from two Myanmar-based news outlets—ELEVEN Media and The Irrawaddy—and 144 articles from international broadcasters Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA). The study also included an online survey of 3,000 Myanmar residents to compare media narratives with public perceptions.

The findings revealed notable differences in media framing of BRI projects. Domestic media primarily focused on the economic opportunities and development benefits associated with Chinese-backed infrastructure initiatives. In contrast, international media gave greater attention to strategic and geopolitical concerns surrounding the projects.

Using statistical analysis, the researchers found that while both domestic and international media significantly contributed to agenda-setting, international media narratives showed a stronger correlation with public opinion, indicating a greater influence on how Myanmar citizens perceive BRI projects.

According to the study, issues such as strategic interests, transparency, coordination challenges, local concerns, and economic impacts emerged as the most prominent themes influencing public discourse.

The researchers suggest that the findings carry important implications for policymakers in Myanmar and Chinese investors involved in BRI projects. They argue that addressing public concerns related to transparency, local participation, and strategic interests could help improve communication and public trust surrounding major infrastructure investments.

The study contributes to a growing body of research examining the role of media in shaping public attitudes toward large-scale international development initiatives and highlights the increasing influence of global media narratives in Myanmar's information environment.

https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5172/6/4/158