Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi, in Beijing, China
CHINA has welcomed more than 100 journalists from Global South countries to a four-month programme designed to deepen their understanding of the world’s second-largest economy.
The initiative, organised by the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC), offers an immersive look into China’s modernisation, cultural heritage and media development.
At an induction ceremony held in Beijing on Friday, a CIPCC official, Ms Yao Baike outlined the programme’s goal to provide a thorough exploration of China’s economic and social policies, as well as the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Asian nation’s growth.
“In these four months, you will gain deeper insight into China’s truth, its socialism with Chinese characteristics, the transformative power of AI, the vision behind the Belt and Road Initiative and the role of dialogue in times of geopolitical tension. You will learn, you will reflect, and you will grow,” she said.
Participants will have the opportunity to attend some of China’s most prominent domestic and diplomatic events, including the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on September 3.
Several heads of state from around the world are expected to attend this grand event.
The four-month programme also includes the ‘Linjia 7’ Forum, which promotes professional and inclusive dialogue on China’s modernisation and democratic practices.
“We will also invite Chinese professors and scholars from top Chinese universities to come here to give their lectures themed on national conditions, Chinese media development and other topics regarding contemporary China,” Ms Yao said.
Journalists will experience China’s vast cultural and regional diversity, with visits to enterprises, universities, cultural landmarks and technology parks across the country. China is home to more than 700 cities and a population exceeding 1,4 billion people.
In addition, the media practitioners will take part in short-term exchanges with leading Chinese outlets such as CGTN, Xinhua, and People’s Daily, gaining first-hand insight into cutting-edge media practices and the evolution of China’s media landscape.
Since its inception in 2014, the CIPCC programme has hosted more than 700 journalists from over 100 countries. The centre has established six regional press communication hubs, covering Africa, which was the first to be launched, as well as the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eurasia, the Arab region and Europe.
The CIPCC is an initiative of the China Public Diplomacy Association, which operates under the auspices of China’s Foreign Ministry.
