Semiotic Construction of Strong Maritime Country in Marine Eco-Environmental Protection in China: Systemic Functional Lingustics Perspective

Abstract

This study explores how the white paper Marine Eco-Environmental Protection in China discursively constructs China’s image as a strong maritime country through Martin and White’s Attitude System in Appraisal Theory. Using a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the 13,843-word English corpus annotated by UAM Corpus Tool 6.2., the research examines the distribution of attitudinal resources—Affect, Judgment, and Appreciation—and their roles in shaping maritime identities. The findings reveal that positive evaluations dominate (96% of attitudinal resources), framing China’s marine protection efforts as successful, ethical, and globally aligned. Judgment are central to constructing five distinct images: “Effective Maritime Governor” (institutional competence), “Maritime Environmental Protector” (ecological tenacity), “Eco-Economic Maritime Developer” (sustainable growth), “Global Maritime Collaborator” (international cooperation), and “People-Oriented Maritime Builder” (public well-being). Affective resources reinforce societal welfare, while appreciation highlights policy value and innovation. The study contributes theoretically by expanding Appraisal Theory’s application to Chinese political discourse in marine governance, demonstrating how evaluative language semiotically projects multifaceted maritime identities. Practically, it offers insights into leveraging linguistic strategies in official texts to communicate national visions and enhance global credibility. This research underscores the role of discourse in shaping perceptions of maritime power, reflecting China’s commitment to sustainable development and collaborative ocean governance.