JOURNALISTS from Africa, Asia, Pacific, Latin America, the Caribbeans, and Central and Eastern Europe, who have participated in a media exchange program in China for the last four/three months, have been reminded of the fundamental principle of journalism, which is ‘reporting the truth” and that they are counted upon to report the truth about China.
Counsellor Liu Yutong from the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy of the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued the reminder to the international journalists on Monday 30 June at the Renmin University in Beijing during a certificate presentation ceremony following their successful completion of lectures organized as part of the journalist exchange program.
He said four/three months is quite a long time of learning and he believes the journalists have become experts on Chinese affairs.
Some of the journalists participated in the exchange program for four months, and others for three months.
“As the old Chinese saying goes: Seeing is Believing. You have gained in-depth and comprehensive knowledge about China from the lectures you attended and have become experts on Chinese Affairs.
“The value of journalism is finding the truth and telling the truth. I think that is the real value of journalism and the fundamental reason for your journey here is to let the truth go out to all people, to tell people the real truth. That is a shared responsibility.
“So, I hope you can tell the real truth about China to your people, your country. That’s why I sincerely hope you can bridge your people and country with our people and country.
“Let more people know our China story, Chinese people’s story and the developments of China. I think that’s the real meaning of your staying in China for the past four/three months,” Counsellor Liu, a former Renmin University journalism student, said.
Vice Director of International Exchanges and Cooperation Office (IECO) at Renmin University, Yuan Yilin, in her speech, said the past four/three months, the international journalists spent in China was a “fulfilling and unforgettable time.”
Ms Yuan said these journalists have not only acquired new knowledge and accumulated their experience in reporting on China, but have also brought fresh perspectives to observations on the Chinese nation and moreover, have established genuine friendship in China.
“Looking back on these months, I believe you have shared a fulfilling and enriching learning journey together.
“You participated in a series of specialized lectures carefully organized by the School of Journalism here covering all aspects of Chinese society. Senior professors from multiple prestigious universities, including RUC, Tsinghua University and Perking University with their profound knowledge and rich experiences provided you with in-depth interpretations on the current developments and trends in China’s politics, economy, culture, media environment and other fields.
“The knowledge and insights they shared opened windows to understanding China, helping you to gain a more comprehensive and deep understanding of China and they laid a solid foundation for your future reporting on China,” she underscored.
“Today, we hold this grand ceremony to present each of you with the Certificate of Completion. We warmly congratulate you the 58 journalists from 50 countries in Africa, Asia, Pacific, Latin American, the Caribbean and Central and Eastern Europe for successfully completing your exchange and study here at RUC (Renmin University of China).
“Thank you for actively participating in this journalist exchange program. Your presence has added diverse cultural colors to the RUC Campus and brought us perspectives from an international viewpoint,” Ms Yuan said.
By DELI-SHARON OSO
In Beijing, China
Journalists from the Asia-Pacific region posing with Vice Director of International Exchanges and Cooperation Office (IECO) at Renmin University, Yuan Yilin and other Chinese officials at the graduation ceremony.
