By Chimwemwe Mangazi in Beijing, China:
Assistant Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Hong Lei Tuesday welcomed journalists from the Global South to Renmin University of China for the opening of the China International Press Communication Center’s second-half 2026 programme.
The 100-day programme aims to foster a deeper understanding of China’s development and its growing international relations.
During his address, Lei spoke about the rapid progress China has made, particularly in infrastructure and technology, since its reform and opening-up period.
He cited the country’s achievements in poverty reduction and healthcare, as well as its advances in areas such as 5G and artificial intelligence, as evidence of what he described as a successful path of Chinese modernisation.
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“This year marks the launch of China’s 5th Five- Year Plan for Economic and Social Development. China’s modernisation will enter a new stage of comprehensive and coordinated advancement,” Lei said.
He also addressed the current global landscape, noting emerging challenges and the need for multilateralism.
President Xi Jinping’s proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilisation Initiative and Global Governance Initiative were presented as frameworks for addressing these challenges.
The programme will give journalists first-hand experience beyond lectures, including opportunities to explore China’s development, economy, culture, technology, diplomacy and media landscape.
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Nigeria-based journalist Mark Longyen, who is attending the programme, said it provides an opportunity to listen, learn, ask questions and build bridges between China and African nations.
He said understanding China- Africa relations is important, describing the relationship as one of the defining stories of the 21st century.
Longyen also noted the growing interdependence between Africa and China, particularly in light of new trade policies and the presence of Chinese infrastructure and businesses across Africa.
“Africa is not merely a recipient. It brings resources, markets, a youthful population, ideas, innovation and enormous development potential to this partnership. We need to move beyond stereotypes to report on successes, challenges and human stories,” Longyen said.
The programme provides a platform for dialogue among journalists from the Global South, with a focus on strengthening cross-border cooperation and giving greater attention to the region’s perspectives in global reporting.
