Maldives Among 90 Countries Participating in CIPCC Media Exchange Programme in Beijing

The China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) 2026 programme officially opened in Beijing on Thursday, bringing together 98 journalists from 90 countries for a three-month media exchange and training initiative.

Among the participants is Maldivian journalist Ali Yoosuf, Managing Editor of MV+.

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The programme, organised by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and hosted in partnership with Renmin University of China, aims to strengthen international media cooperation and promote cultural exchange between China and countries across the Global South.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei described the gathering as “a vivid example of Global South solidarity, cooperation and working hand in hand.”

Hong said China sought to promote peace, development and mutual understanding through international media exchanges. He also highlighted China’s progress in economic growth, technological innovation, renewable energy development, poverty alleviation, high-tech manufacturing, artificial intelligence and industrial robotics.

He encouraged journalists participating in the programme to “observe China with your own eyes”, “feel China with your heart” and “share balanced and authentic stories with global audiences”.

“In the next three months, as you travel across China, you will see for yourself the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the wave of innovation in the Yangtze River Delta, the vibrant dynamism of the Greater Bay Area, the achievements of the large-scale development of the western region, and much more,” Hong said.

Ma Huaide, President of Renmin University of China, which will host participants during the programme, described journalists as “the eyes and ears of the world”.

He stressed the importance of responsible journalism at a time marked by geopolitical tensions, information fragmentation and digital misinformation.

Ma also outlined the university’s efforts to strengthen international communication, develop AI-powered journalism systems, promote cross-cultural academic dialogue and expand global communication networks.

He said the university campus would serve not only as accommodation for participants but also as “an important window to understand Chinese youth, observe Chinese society and perceive the spirit of the times”.

“Sincere communication is the essence of cultural exchange, and mutual understanding is the key to people-to-people connection,” Ma said.

Representatives from participating countries also addressed the ceremony, speaking about the role of journalism in fostering dialogue, countering misinformation and strengthening international understanding.

According to organisers, the CIPCC 2026 programme seeks to:

• Strengthen international media cooperation
• Encourage mutual learning among civilisations
• Promote accurate and balanced reporting about China
• Build professional and cultural connections among journalists worldwide
• Expand dialogue between China and Global South countries

The China International Press Communication Center is one of China’s largest media exchange and training programmes for foreign journalists. Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the initiative facilitates study visits, professional exchanges and cultural engagement across China.