As the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation draws near, China Media Group (CMG) and media entities from participating nations have embarked on a new phase of collaboration. On October 9, in Beijing, they jointly launched the “Joint Initiative of CMG and Media of Belt and Road Partner Countries for Promoting Mutual Learning Among Civilizations.” This initiative underscores the media’s commitment to conveying universal values, preserving the diversity of world civilizations, and leading efforts in fostering people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.
The Ceremony:
The inauguration ceremony was a momentous occasion, graced by the presence of distinguished individuals from China and its Belt and Road partner countries. Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and president and editor-in-chief of CMG, stood alongside Nasirali Eldos Bigeldievich, chairman of the Committee of Information under the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Rao Quan, deputy minister of Culture and Tourism, Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Xing Bo, vice president of CMG, and envoys from relevant nations, along with representatives from the media. Together, they unveiled an exhibition that showcased CMG’s premium programming tailored for Belt and Road partner countries.
A Decade of the Belt and Road Initiative:
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). What began as a Chinese initiative has evolved into a global consensus, transforming into a significant international cooperation platform and a global public good, as affirmed by CMG president Shen Haixiong. CMG, he noted, actively participates as a contributor, observer, and storyteller of the BRI. It has forged news service agreements with 682 media organizations spanning 151 countries and established the world’s first international film and television media alliance, united by the metaphorical Silk Road. Shen emphasized CMG’s eagerness to collaborate with media organizations worldwide, sharing the responsibilities of the media, fostering friendship along the Silk Road, and contributing to the promotion of universal values, the establishment of a shared future for humanity, and the enrichment and advancement of new forms of human civilization.
A Global Community with a Shared Future:
Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Rao Quan, underscored the collaborative development of the BRI as a tangible step toward building a global community with a shared future for humanity. In recent years, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has worked closely with CMG to enhance their international communication capabilities, with the aim of effectively conveying the narrative of China’s involvement in and contributions to the BRI.
Kazakhstan’s Endorsement of the BRI:
Nasirali Eldos Bigeldievich, chairman of the Committee of Information under the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, lauded Kazakhstan as one of the initial nations to endorse and benefit from the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, there has been substantial growth in interactions and collaboration between China and Kazakhstan across various domains, including the economy, trade, and culture.
A New Era of Broadcasting:
Following the inauguration of the broadcast exhibition event showcasing CMG’s premium programs for Belt and Road partner countries, an exciting development awaits. Over 30 programs are poised to premiere in 34 languages on various TV and new media platforms across 52 BRI participating countries, commencing this October. These engaging programs, such as “Everlasting Classics” and “The Call of the Silk Road,” narrate stories of connections between peoples. They offer audiences an authentic experience of the fusion of Chinese civilization with cultures from around the world.
Conclusion:
As the Belt and Road Initiative continues to evolve, media cooperation between China and its partner countries becomes increasingly vital in promoting mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and global cooperation. The Joint Initiative of CMG and Media of Belt and Road Partner Countries for Promoting Mutual Learning Among Civilizations exemplifies a commitment to these ideals and represents a significant step towards a more interconnected and harmonious world.
Read More: