ONE hundred and nineteen international journalists, who have successfully completed spring media exchange program in China last weekend, were told that that their “professionalism and hard work” have won the attention of their Chinese counterparts.
This was highlighted by the President of the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), Wu Hailong when speaking at a reception in Beijing on Saturday 5 July to mark the completion of the China International Press Communication Center 2025 spring exchange program 2025.
Hailong highlighted the visits the international journalists undertook to different provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions and the special administrative region of Hong Kong and the major events they covered, and thanked all Chinese partner institutions in the media exchange program for their contributions towards the success of the program.
Some international journalists participated in the exchange for four months and others for three months.
“Over the past four months, you have witnessed and covered many events in China.
“Shortly after arrival, you dove into in-depth reporting on the National Two Sessions. Subsequently, you participated in and reported on key events such as the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025, the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of China-CELAC Forum, the Follow-up Coordination Meeting on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, the China CEEC Expo and the China-Arab States Reform and Development Forum.”
Through the international journalists’ coverage of these key events, Hailong said they have helped introduced to the world China’s governance philosophy, diplomatic principles and approach to engaging with the international community.
He said the journalists also travelled to 19 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and through their cameras and keyboards have documented China’s diverse regional development and many facets of Chinese people’s lives, adding that he was also fortunate to share some of these unforgettable moments with the foreign journalists.
“Not long ago, I joint some of the journalists on a study tour to Inner Mongolia. Together we learned how Inner Mongolia is known as China’s Dairy Capital and China Cloud Valley, how the desertification prevention and control benefits China and beyond, and how the China-Europe Railway Express strengthens global connectivity and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
“I still remember that Deli Sharon Oso from the Solomon Islands, who published an article in a local media outlet, expressing how lucky she felt to visit Inner Mongolia, where she witnessed China’s contribution to globalization in economic and trade field and the pivotal role its people play in shared global prosperity.
“The trip to Inner Mongolia is just a microcosm of the diverse practices of Chinese-style modernization across the nation.
“I know that many of you journalists have shared your observations from visits across China with your countries and the world through vivid stories.
“Your professionalism and hard work have also won the high attention of your Chinese counterparts, Scenes of your work and life in China have frequently appeared in Chinese media coverage with some short videos even trending multiple times on domestic platforms, including our amusing experience of drinking pesticides together in Inner Mongolia.”
Hailong highlighted that the International Press Communication Center was established with the original aspiration of helping the world understand a real, multi-dimensional and comprehensive China – a China that is loveable, credible and respectable.
“Over the past 11 years, the CPDA has been committed to providing journalist friends with many opportunities to observe and learn about China through this program.
“I am sure that your experience in China will become valuable assets to both your professional career and personal growth.”
Hailong expressed hope that as the journalists return to their respective countries and resume work, they will take back with them these authentic perceptions of China and continue to follow and report on China in the future.
Moreover, he told the journalists that he looks forward to hearing the development stories and unique narratives of their own countries.
“More importantly, I hope you will serve as a bridge between your countries and China, and as envoys of friendship, promoting stronger bilateral ties. No matter when, China will always be your second home. You are most welcome to visit China again, and meet your old friends here.”
By DELI-SHARON OSO
In Beijing, China
