CHINA’S Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei has encouraged international journalists upon the completion of their exchange program in China to “keep China in your sights and in your pieces, and always work for the Global South to be heard.”
Lei issued the words of encouragement at a reception in Beijing on Saturday 5 July to mark the closing of China International Press Communication Center exchange spring program for 2025.
A total of 119 journalists from Asia, Pacific, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbeans participated in the spring program.
“Our common goals stand clear before us like the blooming mountains. We must keep going. Today, we are saying goodbye, but our friendship does not end here.
“Instead, we are beginning a new journey. I encourage all of you to keep China in your sights and in your pieces, and always work for the Global South to be heard,” Lei said.
Lei highlighted the visits the international journalists paid to 19 provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions and special administrative regions and almost 500 activities they participated in according to their regional groupings, and produced a total of almost 5000 news stories.
“You have shown to the world the unfolding chapters of Chinese modernization in a multi-dimensional, multi-angled and in-depth way and from the Global South’s unique perspective, introduced China’s wisdom and proposals to the world.
“You covered this year’s Two Sessions, and saw first hand how whole-process people’s democracy works in China and the cohesiveness of the Chinese society;
“You have participated in the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) and the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and conveyed the shared determination of China and African countries to pursue solidarity and cooperation, and reject unilateral bullying;
“You were there at the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin America and the Caribbeans) Forum, and showed to the world the shared commitment of China and LAC countries to pursuing development;
“When the Third China-Pacific Island Countries’ Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held, you did exclusive reporting and contributed new stories of the friendship across the ocean;
“You also witnessed the milestone signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), and introduced to the world the first China-initiated public good in the field of international rule of law.”
The Assistant Foreign Minister said, “your stories have opened windows for fellow Global South countries to gain better understanding of China.”
He said such reports show understanding the international journalists have gained from the exchange program, and also carry their expectations of China.
“These are valuable, inspiring words. I highly commend and sincerely appreciate all the hard work you have put it.”
Lei also took the opportunity to convey the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s gratitude to the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), the Foreign Affairs Offices in Beijing and other sub-national government, relevant ministries, media organizations and corporations for their strong support to the CIPCC Program.
“Thanks for your strong support, the CIPCC program has become an important bridge for facilitating exchanges between China and other countries, and a key window for the world to better understand China. Let us continue working together to ensure the program’s even greater success.”
Lei also took the opportunity to highlight China’s strong economic growth and ongoing reforms, technological advancement and commitment to advancing development in the Global South.
“China enjoys a bright future full of new opportunities. China’s economy is showing strong resilience and vigor, and its steady momentum will inject much-needed stability and certainty into the world.
“We continue to deepen reform, expand opening up , and boost domestic demand across the board to further share the benefits of the world’s second largest consumer and import market.
“We will create more opportunities for the world through our own development. And we will continue to be an anchor and engine of the gloomy economy.
“We are committed to high-quality development, fostering new drivers of growth through innovations. Emerging technologies and their technologies such as DeepSeek’s AI models, humanoid robots, high-speed railways, electric vehicles, clean energy, and quantum technology are experiencing rapid growth.
“These innovations originating in China are poised to benefit the world.”
The Assistant Foreign Minister said the key to China’s success lies in having found a development path that suits its national conditions and aligns with trends of its times.
“Socialism with Chinese characteristics possesses unique strengths and demonstrates strong vitality and we will stay firmly on this course.”
He said amid the profound changes not seen in a century, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, adding that Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that” history should move forward. The world should be united, not divided. Humanity must no regress to the rule of the jungle, but should stand together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Lei said China remains steadfast in upholding true multilateralism, pursuing win-win cooperation and fulfilling its responsibilities as a major country.
“China will stand side-by-side with other developing countries to embrace a shared future. China was, is and will always be a member of the developing world.”
“We are ready to join efforts with other Global South countries to advance sustainable development, strive for peaceful coexistence between civilizations, uphold peace and stability, and promote prosperity, peace and progress for all.”
By DELI-SHARON OSO
In Beijing, China
