Abuja: China has urged journalists from developing countries to connect China with the rest of the world through objective reports from diverse perspectives, and amplify the narrative of South-South cooperation. Mr. Hong Lei, China’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, made the appeal at the opening ceremony of a four-month training program for journalists from the Global South in Beijing.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, about 100 foreign journalists representing 100 countries are participating in the training, organized by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) and the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC). Hong explained that the CIPCC, founded in 2014, serves as a bridge for media professionals from Global South countries to better understand China.
Hong expressed his hope that through this program, journalists would become close allies of China and help better connect the country with the world. He encouraged them to gain an intimate understanding of China’s history and present a multidimensional picture of China through objective coverage. Hong emphasized the importance of showcasing the practices of Global South countries and promoting South-South cooperation as a dominant narrative.
The minister reaffirmed China’s commitment to the development of Global South countries by highlighting China’s achievements since the Reform and Opening-up policy. These achievements include the construction of extensive infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and surpassing the UN’s 2030 SDG targets ahead of schedule. Hong reiterated that China’s development is a shared endeavor with developing countries, promoting true multilateralism and improving global governance.
Ms. Tong Xiaoling, CPDA Vice President, welcomed participants and highlighted the media’s role as a bridge across national borders. She emphasized the importance of replacing stereotypes with on-the-ground observations and enriching global narratives with diverse perspectives. Tong noted that China-foreign media engagement is a long-term partnership, and CPDA will continue fostering platforms for international media exchanges.
Prof. Zhang Donggang from Renmin University emphasized the program’s role in creating an important platform for journalists to deepen understanding and strengthen cooperation. He encouraged participants to document China’s development and convey the power of global progress through their work.
Mr. Mark Longyen, a News Agency of Nigeria editor and participant, emphasized the importance of Africa-China relations and the need for journalists to become authors of the global narrative. He called for stronger cross-border reporting, fact-checking partnerships, and professional exchanges to ensure journalism promotes understanding and cooperation while maintaining independence and truth.