Russian media in shaping public opinion in the Asia-Pacific region

The author analyzes the potential impact of Russian media on public opinion and the country's foreign policy. The object of the research is the media news of the main Russian media (TASS and RIA) over the past five years devoted to the Asia-Pacific region. The author explores in detail how media coverage shapes the perception and attitude of Russian society towards the Asia-Pacific region, as well as provides public support for the government's "Eastward orientation" policy. Special attention is paid to how the main Russian media reflect and broadcast the diplomatic position and strategic intentions of the government, acting as an important channel of public diplomacy between Russia and the countries of the region, as well as analyzing trends in content, emotional coloring and hidden political motives in materials dedicated to China, Japan and the ASEAN countries. The research methodology is based on a critical analysis of scientific literature and the analysis of media texts from Russia's leading news agencies (TASS, RIA Novosti and others) in the period from 2020 to 2024. The leading Russian media use a clear narrative strategy in shaping public opinion in the Asia-Pacific region, which is closely linked to changes in foreign policy. Agencies such as TASS and RIA, while praising allies and minimizing conflict aspects, present Russia as a necessary partner, strengthening domestic trust in China and demonstrating a tough stance on territorial disputes with Japan, as well as broadcasting the Russian view on the international arena. Although the effect varies by country (in China it is especially noticeable, and in Japan and the ASEAN countries it is less pronounced), the Russian and Chinese media, being in resonance and regularly using the terms "multipolar Asia" and "turn to the East", vividly demonstrate the unity of a common strategy. The analysis of key events demonstrates the dynamic variability of the media narrative and its potential impact on public opinion.

Asia Pacific Region, public opinion, Russian media, China, Japan, Media Narratives, Opinion Shaping, ASEAN Countries, National Image, China-Russia Relations