Speaking at the orientation event held in Beijing; Mr. Yu Lei, Director of CIPCC, emphasized the program’s objective of fostering cooperation between media organizations in China and developing and emerging economies.

Reflecting on the evolution of the program since its inception in 2014, Yu Lei highlighted the expansion from one to six press centers, each focusing on different regions.

These include the China-Africa, China-Asia-Pacific, China-Latin America and Caribbean, China-Eurasia, China-Arabic, and China-Central and Eastern European press centers.

Yu Lei also outlined the structure of the 2024 program, which is divided into two parts.

The first part, commencing with over 100 journalists, focuses on lectures covering various aspects of China’s development, including political, economic, historical, cultural, and technical dimensions.

Additionally, exchange seminars on media issues and visits to key institutions and regions across China are integral components.

Many visits are organized not only in Beijing but also across China, Yu Lei emphasized, underscoring the importance of firsthand experiences in understanding China’s diverse landscapes and developments.

These visits include ministries, renowned enterprises, universities, and prominent media houses such as CGTN and Xinhua News Agency.

Besides, participants will have the opportunity to cover significant domestic and diplomatic events, such as the annual ‘Two Sessions’.

‘The Two Sessions’ refer to the concurrent yearly meetings of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), commencing on March 4, and the National People’s Congress (NPC), which begins on March 5.

Yu Lei expressed his expectations for the participants, emphasizing the importance of gaining a comprehensive understanding of China beyond Western media portrayals.

He envisioned participants establishing contacts and initiating practical cooperation with Chinese media organizations, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration.

"In promoting practical cooperation between the media from China and developing countries, our program serves as a bridge," Yu Lei stated.

"Through firsthand experiences, participants can provide authentic reports, transcending Western narratives," he concluded.

Mr. Yu Lei, Director of CIPCC speaking to journalists at the orientation event.

Journalists following presentations on the training program's calendar.

The training seeks, among other things, to provide journalists with the chance to explore and report on the diverse facets of China's development.

Yu Lei encouraged journalists to grasp a more nuanced understanding of China that goes beyond distorted narratives.

Théophile Niyitegeka / Beijing, China