By: Henrietta Avollah Afful
The 2026 Programme of the China International Press Communication Center, CIPCC, was officially launched on Thursday, May 21, bringing together 98 journalists and social media influencers from Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eurasia, Arabia, and Central and Eastern Europe.
Hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Associatio,CPDA, at Renmin University of China, RUC, the three-month training programme offers participants an in-depth understanding of China’s modernization, culture, and technological advancements.
Participants will visit provincial regions, communities, schools, and factories, engaging directly with local people to gain first-hand insights into Chinese society.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Assistant Foreign Minister, Hong Lei welcomed participants and lauded the programme as an example of Global South solidarity and cooperation.
He encouraged participants to be true advocates and promoters of the friendship China offers, its vision and desire to connect more to friends from the Global South countries.
“I hope you can be objective and truthful recorders. Observe China with your own eyes, feel China with your heart, and present to the Global South, both ancient and modern China that is making steady and solid progress” Hong Lei said.
He also highlighted the importance of sharing China’s development achievements and technological innovations with the world.
For his part, President of Renmin University of China, Ma Huaide, underscored the role of the media in conveying authentic voices, breaking down cognitive barriers and advancing international understanding hence, the RUC’s decision to align itself with the CIPCC-CPDA training programme.
“As a university rooted in China and embracing global development, Renmin University of China attaches great importance to international communication and mutual learning among civilizations and actively promotes exchanges and dialogues between Chinese and foreign scholars, young students and media practitioners,” President of RUC, Ma Huaide, said.
He said RUC, which prides itself as the first Chinese University to host CIPCC-CPDA participants for the very first time, will not serve only as a home and venue for study and exchanges but also an “important window to understand Chinese youth, observe Chinese society and perceive the spirit of the times.”
He urged participants to uphold journalistic principles, promote positive narratives, and serve as bridges between China and their home countries.
“…The world is now in a new period of turbulence and transformation, making the role of journalists increasingly vital. I hope you will leverage your strengths to bring home China’s valuable experience in development, governance and livelihood improvement and share with China the development achievements and governance wisdom of your own countries. Learn from and inspire each other to convey hope and positive energy” the President of RUC added.
Vice President of CPDA, Tong Xiaoling, highlighted CIPCC’s 12-year history of hosting nearly 1,000 journalists from over 140 developing and emerging countries, providing an authentic view of China’s progress and development.
She extended greetings to international attendees and thanked distinguished guests including Assistant Minister Hong Lei and President of RUC, Ma Huaide.
Representatives from participating countries expressed gratitude for the programme, noting its role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and accurate storytelling.
From Ghana, Henrietta Avollah Afful of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC, is among this year’s participants, experiencing China’s society and culture firsthand.
Also present at the ceremony were CPDA Vice President Wang Donghu and the Deputy Director General of the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chen Ya’ou.
