US-China Trade War: Van Dijk Critical Discourse Analysis of Arabic News from Sotkurdistan.net

Abstract

The trade war between the United States and China has become a global focal point due to its impact on the stability of the world economy. However, how this conflict is represented by international media, especially Arabic-language media, has rarely been critically analyzed. This article aims to examine the reporting of the website sotkurdistan.net on the trade war using Teun A. van Dijk’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) approach. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method by analyzing three dimensions: text structure (macro, super, micro), social cognition, and social context. The main focus of the analysis is to reveal how language is used to shape public opinion and embed certain ideologies. The findings show that the media frame this conflict as an ideological battle between two global powers, rather than merely an economic issue. The article reinforces an antagonistic narrative through metaphors, personification, and suggestive diction. This study highlights the importance of critical literacy in understanding international media discourse and its contribution to uncovering the hidden ideologies behind news texts.