China brings together journalists from around world for media exchange
By Delaram Ahmadi
Staff writer
The China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) opened its second-half 2026 program on Monday at Renmin University of China, bringing together more than 100 journalists from around 100 countries, including Iran, for three and a half months of journalism training, professional exchange and cultural activities.
The opening ceremony was hosted by CIPCC Director Yu Lei and featured addresses by senior Chinese officials, including Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei, Vice President of the China Public Diplomacy Association Tong Xiaoling, and Renmin University CPC Committee Secretary Zhang Donggang.
Journalists who had previously participated in the CIPCC program also shared their experiences and delivered remarks at the ceremony, including Mark Longyen from Nigeria and Mahendra Subedi from Nepal.
Now in its 13th year, the CIPCC program has grown from a small initiative launched in 2014 into an international platform for media professionals from developing countries. The 2026 program, initiated by the China Public Diplomacy Association under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brings together journalists from Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, Eurasia, the Arab world, and Central and Eastern Europe.
Participants are divided into groups based on five working languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian and Arabic.
According to CIPCC Director Yu Lei, a central aim of the program, alongside introducing China’s development and achievements, is to strengthen ties with countries of the Global South and promote greater cooperation in pursuit of shared development.
The journalists will live on the Renmin University campus, giving them an opportunity to experience university life while studying at one of China’s leading institutions for journalism and communication. The program combines professional journalism training with diplomatic briefings, cultural activities and field trips to provinces and regions across China.
Participants will also undertake internships at major Chinese media organizations, including CGTN, Xinhua News Agency and People’s Daily, providing them with first-hand exposure to China’s media industry and the way Chinese media organizations operate.
Running through mid-December, the program is designed to build professional and personal links between journalists from China and developing countries while encouraging greater cross-cultural understanding and media cooperation.
What it means for Iran
For Iranian participants, the program provides an opportunity to gain a more direct and comprehensive understanding of China’s economic, technological and social development and to convey those experiences to Iranian audiences through journalism.
It can also contribute to closer media ties between Iran and China by creating direct professional connections between Iranian journalists and their Chinese counterparts. Beyond bilateral relations, interaction with journalists from dozens of other countries provides an opportunity to exchange views on international developments, compare media experiences and develop professional networks across the Global South.
Such exchanges can be particularly valuable for Iran as it seeks to deepen its engagement with Asian, African and other developing countries.