1、 Introduction

Introduced the background of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Malaysia's role in RCEP, and the necessity of research. RCEP, initiated by ASEAN and negotiated for 8 years, was signed on November 15, 2020, covering the world's largest population and economic and trade scale. Malaysia, as an important member of ASEAN and RCEP, actively participates in negotiations and approvals, and announced the entry into force of RCEP in Malaysia on March 18, 2022. Since its signing, mainstream media in Malaysia have paid close attention to RCEP and conducted comprehensive coverage. Domestic research mostly relies on Chinese or English media to understand Malaysia, neglecting the voices of the Malay ethnic group. It is necessary to study mainstream media that report in Malay language. By analyzing mainstream Malay media reports, we can understand the dissemination and public opinion environment of RCEP in Malaysia, which has practical significance. Academic research is mostly focused on the economic field, paying attention to the impact of RCEP on countries or regions, especially the cognitive evaluation of economically developed countries and regions. This article selects mainstream Malay media as the research object and conducts text analysis based on the framework theory, aiming to observe and summarize the characteristics of media reports, explore Malaysia's true attitude towards RCEP, and propose thoughts on promoting RCEP cooperation between China and Malaysia in the future.

2、 Overview of mainstream media coverage on RCEP in Malaysia

This article provides an overview of mainstream media coverage and evaluation research on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Malaysia. The study selected four mainstream media outlets: Forward News, Daily News, Malaysia Today, and Global News. These media outlets are known for their clear information and beautiful language, and are the most frequently read and cited by Malaysian readers. The research period is from November 15, 2020 to December 31, 2023, divided into RCEP approval stage and implementation stage. Through keyword search, a total of 218 Malay language news samples were collected, demonstrating the sustained attention of mainstream media in Malaysia towards RCEP.

3、 Characteristics of mainstream media coverage on RCEP in Malaysia

Analyzed the reporting characteristics of mainstream media in Malaysia on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. Firstly, the media pays special attention to the economic opportunities that RCEP brings to Malaysia, with over 70% of reports focusing on development opportunities. For example, the Forward newspaper reported that RCEP encourages foreign investment and enhances market vitality. Secondly, Malaysian media focuses on the leading role of major countries such as China and the United States in RCEP, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with China and the United States for Malaysia's economic development, such as the Daily News reporting on Malaysia China economic cooperation and trade volume growth. At the same time, Malaysian media emphasized the central position of ASEAN in their reports, respected and followed ASEAN's central discourse system in RCEP, and maintained the position of ASEAN integration. These reporting features reflect the positive evaluation of RCEP by Malaysian media and their attention to national interests.

4、 Thoughts on China Malaysia RCEP Cooperation Based on Analysis

Malaysia actively responded to RCEP and the "the Belt and Road" initiative, and the mainstream media promoted information exchange between China and Malaysia. Studying Malaysia's perception and feedback on RCEP can help China understand the public opinion trends related to Malaysia's involvement in RCEP and adjust its external propaganda methods accordingly. When promoting RCEP cooperation projects in Malaysia, China should fully understand Malaysia's national conditions and the needs of its people, and tell the story of China based on the common needs and interests of both sides. The Chinese side can strengthen cooperation between civil organizations, universities, and enterprises of the two countries, and carry out publicity work through multiple channels and fields, so that the Malaysian people can truly feel the benefits brought by relevant cooperation. When China carries out propaganda work abroad, it mainly uses English as the language of communication, but using the local official language Malay as the language of communication can help Malaysian people better accept China's voice and feel China's sincerity in respecting the feelings of the local people. When carrying out RCEP cooperation, China needs to support the centrality of ASEAN, respond to the ASEAN centrality narrative, support ASEAN in continuing to play a regional leadership role, and support the ASEAN led East Asian cooperation mechanism. China and Malaysia need to cooperate under the "ASEAN approach" of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, enhance mutual trust, and build a sustainable win-win cooperation mechanism. China and Malaysia should continue to remain steadfast in their determination to work towards the well-being and common interests of their people, consolidate their existing good relations, and continuously benefit from the strong development of RCEP. Media diplomacy is an important way of public diplomacy and a beneficial supplement to national diplomacy. When promoting RCEP cooperation in Malaysia, China should first pay attention to the voices of local mainstream media. At present, research on local media in Malaysia mainly focuses on English or Mandarin media, with less attention paid to mainstream media that use the official language of Malaysia, Malay. Malay, as the national language and mother tongue of Malaysia's largest ethnic group, more comprehensively reflects the true public opinion of Malaysia from the level of national leaders to the level of the people. In the future, we should focus more on promoting continuous monitoring of public opinion in Southeast Asian countries, strengthen the reserve of non lingua franca talents, make good use of relevant academic resources, grasp the most authentic, direct, and grassroots expression of public opinion in the target countries, and at the same time achieve the most accurate dissemination of Chinese stories in the target countries' languages.

5、 Conclusion

2023 and 2024 are important years for China Malaysia relations, and Malaysia plays a demonstrative role in ASEAN. By analyzing the mainstream media coverage of RCEP in Malaysia, we can understand the true attitude and expectations of Malaysian society towards RCEP, and promote mutual understanding and cooperation between China and Malaysia. Research has found that Malaysian media is highly concerned about RCEP and its impact on the economy and trade, but there are also concerns. The relevant conclusions can provide reference for subsequent research.