Beijing: China's opening-up reforms, which have led to growing media pluralism and enhanced exchange programmes, have been praised by some foreign journalists. These efforts are seen as crucial in promoting advocacy and advancing an inclusive society to foster a community with a shared future for mankind, according to journalists attending a meeting in Beijing.
According to Ghana News Agency, Yesey Perez Lopez, a Cuban journalist, highlighted China's success in fostering harmony and respect among different nationalities. He emphasized the importance of sustaining such collaborations to expose media professionals from developing countries to new developments in journalism. Monica Cheru, a journalist from Zimbabwe, praised the Chinese people for their resilience and hospitality, noting that exchange programmes like those run by the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) provide valuable insights into Chinese society.
Ayman Abdelwahed Mohamed Amer, an Egyptian journalist, expressed hope that the CIPCC would continue to strengthen cooperation among journalists from developing nations. He underscored the necessity for media professionals to focus on advocacy work addressing the needs of vulnerable and oppressed communities. He also commended China for its commitment to a stable and orderly multipolar environment, urging journalists to use their platforms to promote peace amid global conflicts.
Fijian journalist Nikhil Kumar stressed the importance of taking the CIPCC exchange programmes seriously to benefit media pluralism. Ms Ping Du, Principal Officer of the Secretariat of China Public Diplomacy Association, assured that China would continue to welcome foreign journalists as part of its efforts to deepen multilateralism. She noted that, as of 2024, China had over 1.1 billion internet users, 25 billion newspapers, and 1.8 billion magazines, indicating ample platforms for free expression.
Mr Yu Lei, the CIPCC Director, commended the 2025 Exchange Programme participants for their professionalism and commitment. He reiterated China's dedication to sharing its experiences with foreign journalists to enhance international relations, particularly in the fields of modernisation, science, and technology. The 2025 Exchange Programme, organised by the CIPCC in collaboration with the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), includes participants from Africa, Asia Pacific, Eurasia, Latin America, the Caribbean, as well as Arab, Central and Eastern European countries. The programme covers topics related to China's diplomatic missions, international relations, socio-economic development, culture, science and technology, and democracy.
