1 Introduction

We discussed the completion of negotiations on the China EU Comprehensive Investment Agreement and its impact on German media, as well as the subsequent EU sanctions and countermeasures against China that have led to tensions in China EU relations. The German media's coverage of China has become the focus in this context, and China's image is highlighted in the reports.

2 Theoretical Basis and Methodology

This chapter delves into the metaphorical construction of China's image by German media, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural research. Researchers have conducted in-depth analysis of media reports such as the German magazine Der Spiegel using methods such as content analysis, discourse analysis, and critical discourse analysis, revealing the dynamic changes in China's image in politics, economy, and society. Specifically, the critical metaphor analysis method is used to study the construction of the Chinese image in German media during the "China Europe Comprehensive Investment Agreement" event, aiming to answer the Chinese image and the attitudes and purposes behind it portrayed by German media through metaphors.

3 Research Plans

The research plan was elaborated in detail, including the use of keyword search in the German media corpus LexisNexis Academic, limited time frame, and the use of AntConc software for collocation search. The research focuses on reports related to the China Europe Comprehensive Investment Agreement, identifying high-frequency collocations through fuzzy search and setting search parameters. Furthermore, by observing the collocation word list and using the Duden online dictionary, words with metaphorical meanings are identified, and the index line function is used to determine metaphors. The study identified five major types of metaphors: war metaphors, anthropomorphic metaphors, competition metaphors, journey metaphors, and architecture metaphors, with anthropomorphic metaphors being the most frequently used. Finally, the critical metaphor analysis method is adopted to reveal the emotions, attitudes, and ideologies behind the metaphor.

4. Analysis of High Frequency Metaphors

An in-depth analysis was conducted on the high-frequency metaphors used by German media in reporting on China, including personification, war, competition, and travel. Personification metaphor personifies the country, causing readers to resonate emotionally with national issues and influencing their attitudes. When describing China, the German media often regard it as the opposite of Germany, emphasizing the contrast between freedom and oppression, and expressing concern about China's "the Belt and Road" initiative. The war metaphor portrays China as an opponent challenging the existing order by comparing international relations to a battlefield, while emphasizing the roles of Germany and Europe in safeguarding their own interests and values. The competition metaphor views Sino German relations as a competition, in which China is both a partner and a competitor. German media believes that competition with China in the economic and political fields is necessary. The journey metaphor views international relations as a journey, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and common development. Overall, the metaphorical use of German media reflects its complex views on China, including both a willingness to cooperate and a competitive and vigilant attitude.

Analysis of Chinese Images Constructed through Metaphors

This paper analyzes the metaphorical construction of China's image by German media through Fauconnier's concept blending theory. German media personifies China as an oppressor, creating opposition to a free Europe. At the same time, China is portrayed as a threat to the European Union, with aggressiveness and destructiveness. In addition, German media also believes that China is a partner and competitor of the European Union, emphasizing the importance of China EU cooperation and the necessity of maintaining international order.

6 Conclusion

German media constructs the image of China through metaphors, serving ideological and interest needs; Criticism metaphor analysis reveals the attitudes and emotions behind media discourse; The reasons behind the China Europe Investment Agreement incident include threats to economic interests and concerns about China's expanding international discourse power.