Forty-nine journalists from 44 countries have begun the China International Press Communication Centre’s (CIPCC) 2025 Media Exchange Programme in Beijing.

The exchange programme organised by CIPCC under China’s Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) started on Thursday in the capital city.

Participants were drawn from regions in the Global South, including Africa, Oceania, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia.

During the four-month programme, the participants will experience and learn about China’s culture and receive training in China’s socio-economic development, diplomacy, science, and technology.

They will also participate in major domestic and diplomatic activities, including the 2025 Two Sessions.

The Two Sessions is a term for the consecutive meetings of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held yearly in March.

The NPC is the highest organ of state power and China’s top legislative body, while the CPPCC is China’s top political advisory body.

Their sessions cover topics including political, economic, educational, and social issues.

The CIPCC director, Yu Lei, said that through the programme, China aimed to promote practical cooperation with other countries, particularly in the media sector.

Mr Lei said another group of journalists would arrive for the programme in March, adding that the total number of participants would be about 120.

According to him, the programme will provide the journalists opportunities to have an experience and get firsthand information about China.

He said, “Since 2014, over 700 journalists have participated, and we hope that after this programme, you will become media ambassadors between China and your countries. We hope that even in your country, you continue to connect with Chinese people.’’

A journalist with Trinidad and Tobago Television Ltd., Danielle John, said she hoped to gain more information about China in the course of the programme.

“I come from a third-world country, and it is more modern here. For instance, they have a cashless society, but my society is accustomed to cash. It has been a great experience so far, and I will learn as much of China as possible to compare how it is similar and different to my country,” she said.

Another journalist with Jordan News Agency, Maen Albelbese, commended China for opening up its doors to the world.

Ms Albelbese said that a large portion of the world’s population did not have deep knowledge about China.

“Bringing journalists from around the world together will help to spread awareness of how the nation operates,” Ms Albelbese said.

(NAN)