The first-half 2025 media exchange program by the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) ended on Saturday on an optimistic note, emphasizing renewed shared understanding and strengthened cooperation among participants.

The China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) hosted the event.

Hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), the event was attended by Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei, CPDA President Wu Hailong and Zhang Jianbo, Director of the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC).

A total of 119 journalists from 101 countries, who participated in the four-month program, gathered to mark the conclusion of their intensive journey across China.

Addressing the journalists, Wu Hailong, President of the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), said that over the past four months, you have observed and covered many significant events in China.

Your reports have helped introduce the world to China’s governance philosophy, diplomatic principles, and its approach to engaging with the international community.

During your stay here, you traveled to 18 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Through your cameras and writing, you documented China's diverse regional development and various aspects of Chinese people's lives. I was also fortunate to share some of these unforgettable moments with you.

Together, we learned how Inner Mongolia is celebrated as China’s “Dairy Capital” and “China Cloud Valley,” how efforts to combat desertification benefit not only China but the wider region, and how the China-Europe Railway Express enhances global connectivity and supports high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Your visit to Inner Mongolia is just a small example of the many ways China is pursuing modernization with its unique Chinese approach. I know many of you have shared your insights from travels across China with your home countries and the world through vivid stories. Your professionalism and dedication have also garnered significant attention from your Chinese counterparts. Scenes from your work and daily life here have frequently appeared in Chinese media, with some short videos even trending multiple times domestically—like the amusing moment we shared drinking “pesticides” together in Inner Mongolia.

The China International Press Communication Center was founded with the aim of helping the world see a genuine, multi-dimensional, and comprehensive China—a China that is lovable, trustworthy, and respectable. Over the past 11 years, the CPDA has worked hard to offer journalists many opportunities to observe and understand China through this program. I am confident that your experiences here will be valuable assets for both your careers and personal growth. As you return to your countries and resume your work, I hope you carry with you authentic impressions of China and continue to follow and report on the country’s development. We also look forward to hearing stories of progress and unique narratives from your own nations.

Expressing his optimism, Wu Hailong said that you will serve as bridges of friendship between your countries and China, acting as envoys to foster stronger bilateral relations.

"Regardless of when, China will always be your second home. You are most welcome to visit again, reconnect with old friends, and experience China anew," he added.

Some journalists also took the stage to share their bright and insightful experiences during their time in China. Their speeches highlighted the warmth and hospitality they received and expressed admiration for China’s model of governance and development.

One journalist mentioned that Chinese media has played a vital role in China's successful modernization and continues to promote the country's national development goals, as well as its multilateral vision of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.

Another journalist reflected that this program has been more than just a professional experience; it has served as a genuine window into China's culture, history, and recent achievements.

"We witnessed the country's vibrant development firsthand, immersed ourselves in its rich, centuries-old culture, visited numerous cities, learned about the lives and traditions of China's ethnic minorities, and observed the great care taken to preserve their unique heritage," he added.

This enriching exchange program of CIPCC has reaffirmed the vital importance of mutual understanding and continued dialogue in fostering enduring friendships and collaborative progress.

As these esteemed journalists return to their respective nations, they carry with them a profound appreciation for China’s remarkable journey of modernization, cultural diversity, and commitment to global shared prosperity.

Such exchanges serve as a testament to the power of open communication and cooperation, laying a solid foundation for a more interconnected, peaceful, and harmonious international community.