Beijing: CHINADAILY has reaffirmed its commitment to promote a more positive and accurate portrayal of Africa-China relations to combat negative stereotypes that have suffused international discourse.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the media organisation made this statement during a courtesy visit by delegates, including representatives from think tanks and media agencies from various African countries and the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), in Beijing.
Mr. Sun Shangwu, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Daily, emphasized the importance of addressing misconceptions surrounding the connections between Africa and China. He highlighted the need for a balanced narrative that showcases mutual respect and collaboration between the two regions, stating, “It is essential to highlight shared achievements and prospects to dispel baseless stereotypes that hinder our partnership.”
Sun 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 highlighting the positive impacts of cooperation between China and African nations. These projects would cover areas like joint technological ventures, infrastructure development, trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges to demonstrate the depth of engagement between the two regions.
“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,” Sun added.
Ms. Sarafina Christopher, a delegate and media representative from the News Agency of Nigeria, welcomed China Daily’s commitment to promoting positive narratives amidst increased global scrutiny of Africa-China relations. She acknowledged that critiques often paint the relationship as exploitative, disregarding the substantial contributions made by both parties to each other’s advancement. “We believe that by showcasing uplifting stories, China Daily will challenge these misrepresentations and offer a comprehensive perspective on the partnership.”
Christopher also reiterated African media’s dedication to advocating the positive aspects of Africa-China collaboration to shape new narratives centered 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.
NAN reports that 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.