China Daily has reaffirmed commitment to promote a more positive and accurate portrayal of Africa-China relations to combat negative stereotypes that have suffused international discourse.

The media organisation stated this during a courtesy visit to by delegates incorporating Think tank and Media agencies representatives from various African countries and International Department Central Committee of Communist Party of China (IDCPC) in Beijing.

 Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Daily, Sun Shangwu, emphasised the importance of addressing misconceptions surrounding the connections between Africa and China.

Highlighting the need for a balanced narrative that showcases the mutual respect and collaboration between the two nations, Mr Shangwu said, “It is essential to highlight shared achievements and prospects to dispel baseless stereotypes that hinder our partnership.”

He also noted that China Daily has regional offices in Africa and would collaborate with African news agencies to produce content such as articles, interviews, and multimedia projects that highlight the positive impacts of cooperation between China and African nations.

These projects would cover various areas such as joint technological ventures, infrastructure development, trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges to demonstrate the depth of engagement between the two regions.

He stated, “We believe that this approach will amplify African voices and perspectives in discussions about the relationship and include authentic narratives from Africa to avoid misrepresentation.”

A delegate and media representative from the News Agency of Nigeria, Sarafina Christopher, welcomed China Daily’s commitment to promoting positive narratives amidst increased global scrutiny of Africa-China relations.

She also acknowledged that critiques often paint the relationship as exploitative, disregarding the substantial contributions made by both parties to each other’s advancement.

She noted, “We believe that by showcasing uplifting stories, China Daily will challenge these misrepresentations and offer a comprehensive perspective on the partnership. An accurate portrayal can enhance understanding and bolster ties between the people of both regions.”

Christopher also reiterated African Media’s dedication to advocating the positive aspects of Africa-China collaboration to shape new narratives centred on mutual growth and benefits.

“This publication aspires to inspire narratives that underline partnership and mutual benefits by highlighting the positive aspects of Africa-China collaboration. We believe that this joint initiative between China Daily and African media is not just responsible journalism but also highlights the importance of fostering an effective approach to international relations,” she said.

Chen Zhiming, Song Ping, Yang Fang, Li Changxiang, and Shao Xinying of CHINADAILY also made significant contributions to the advancement of Africa-China relations through their respective roles and efforts.

(NAN)