摘要：This introduction to the special issue summarizes the contributions from the five leading scholars
in the field—their contribution to the conceptualization of such concepts as soft power, sharp
power, image shaping, image reception, as well as methodological approaches. It highlights the
importance of contextualizing their findings for a full understanding of the image of China in the
media narratives examined. In doing so, the Introduction lays foundation for further investigations
on the relationship between media coverage of health crisis and image construction as the world
continues to fight against the virus.
关键词：Conceptualization; contextualization; further study; image reception; image shaping; methodological approach; sharp power; soft power
