The opening ceremony was held at the School of Journalism and Communication of Renmin University in Beijing and attended by representatives from China’s diplomatic, academic, and media sectors.

Organized by the China Public Diplomacy Association under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, the 2026 program has gathered 98 journalists from 90 countries across the Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening international media cooperation, promoting cultural exchange, and enhancing understanding of China’s development and global engagement through firsthand reporting experiences.

Delivering opening remarks, Hong Lei, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, described the gathering as a strong reflection of solidarity among countries of the Global South.

“Today, we have 98 friends from 90 different countries here in Beijing. This is a vivid example of Global South solidarity, cooperation, and working hand in hand,” he said.

Hong Lei noted that the CIPCC, established in 2014, has become an important platform for international journalists to gain direct insights into China’s governance, development policies, and modernization process.

He stated that participants and alumni of the program have produced thousands of reports over the years, helping international audiences gain a broader and more comprehensive understanding of contemporary China.

Highlighting China’s recent socio-economic achievements, Hong Lei said China’s gross domestic product has surpassed 140 trillion yuan, contributing around 30 percent to global economic growth and accounting for approximately 17 percent of the world economy.

He also pointed to major social development achievements, including the elimination of absolute poverty nationwide, improvements in social welfare systems, and an increase in average life expectancy to 79.25 years.

In the field of innovation and sustainability, he said China has established the world’s largest renewable energy system while continuing to achieve breakthroughs in advanced technologies.

Hong Lei added that 2026 marks the first year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which outlines the country’s next phase of long-term economic and social development.

Addressing the ceremony, Ma Huaide, President of Renmin University of China, spoke about the changing global media landscape and the growing importance of responsible journalism in the digital era.

He said technological advances have increased global connectivity, while geopolitical tensions and information fragmentation have also created new communication challenges.

“More than ever before, we need truthful, in-depth, and responsible documentation and expression,” Professor Ma said.

He highlighted the university’s ongoing efforts to advance journalism and international communication studies, including the development of the “Mingxin Large Model,” an artificial intelligence framework designed to improve the quality and interactivity of global communication.

Founded in 1955, the School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University is regarded as one of China’s leading journalism institutions and remains part of the country’s “Double First-Class” university initiative.

Meanwhile, Tong Xiaoling, Vice President of the China Public Diplomacy Association, outlined the program’s three-month schedule, which combines academic study, practical reporting experience, and nationwide field visits.

During the program, participating journalists will attend seminars on China’s diplomacy, economy, culture, science, and technology. They will also undertake internships with major Chinese media organizations and participate in field reporting tours across 23 provinces and regions throughout China.

The initiative aims to provide international journalists with deeper exposure to China’s local development, modernization efforts, and evolving role on the global stage, while encouraging more balanced and informed international reporting.

KPL