A new and more dynamic partnership between China and the media of Africa and Asian countries pegged to strengthen communication and cooperation; has reached irreversible proportions. On Tuesday, Beijing solicited the collaboration of Africa and Asian journalists in mapping a new pattern of development in their bilateral relationship.
Mr Ma Jisheng, China’s Deputy Director – General, Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the call while a group of journalists from the two continents paid him a visit.
The 11 journalists are presently attending a media course organised by the World Media Summit (WMS) Secretariat and hosted by the Xinhua News Agency. Jisheng said both continents shared a common goal and same experiences in cooperation ties. ``Our policies towards Africa and other developing countries will continue to foster cooperation and we oppose any countries’ interference in our internal affairs. ``In the past we shared the same experience, now we still share the same experience and the same interest. ``China will continue to support you in your developmental endeavours so as to enhance your development objectives,’’ he said. The official noted that China was still a developing country irrespective of remarkable strides in the economy. He said some segments of its population still lived in poverty noting that the country continues to go through different stages of development. Jisheng commended efforts of the foreign media in the country and urged them to be aggressive in reporting successes of their various governments. Meanwhile, in a bid to further facilitate the work of foreign journalists, China’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday launched a new press conference hall for the foreign journalists.
Mr Zhang Zhijan, Deputy Foreign Minister said the new structure is a multifunctional centre with simple yet grand style and modern facilities, making the hall international, professional and user friendly. Zhijan said the hall had a capacity to make recording easier for journalists and it is also equipped with interpretation gadgets. According to China Daily, a total of 740 foreign correspondents with 410 news agencies from 55 countries are stationed in China by the end of September, 2010, while the number of foreign journalists was only 43 some 30 years ago.
CT gathered that due to the global financial crisis, many news organisations have downsized overseas correspondents. However, the number of foreign journalist keeps on growing in China. Some international news agencies even moved their Asia-Pacific headquarters from cities in other countries to Beijing. With an area of 550 square metres, the new hall is as twice as the old one. Most of its facilities are movable.
