Eleven journalists from the Philippines recently participated in a two-week intensive seminar in China aimed at fostering stronger journalism and communication ties between the two countries.

The program, which ran from 27 November to 10 December, was organized by the Hunan International Business Vocational College and sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) of the People’s Republic of China. The sessions took place at Meinian Hotel 21° in Changsha, the capital city of Hunan Province in China.

Strengthening China-Philippines relations

Liu Qi, Second Investigator of the Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce, spoke at the opening ceremony, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between the Philippines and China.

“China and the Philippines are neighbors across the sea, connected by geographic proximity, familial ties and cultural affinity,” Liu said. “The historical friendship and cooperation between the two countries have forged a strong bond between us. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the overall development of China-Philippines relations has been smooth, with continuous expansion in various fields of cooperation.”

Liu also emphasized Hunan’s role in advancing journalism.

“Hunan Province holds a significant position in domestic journalism and has established a good international reputation, providing valuable experience and a model for the cooperation in journalism and communication between China and the Philippines,” he stated.

He also highlighted Hunan as the perfect location for important events and initiatives that promote global collaboration.

“The location of this training program, Hunan Province, is a place of scenic beauty and outstanding people. It is the hometown of Chairman Mao Zedong, the founder of New China. The provincial capital, Changsha, boasts famous spots such as the Millennium-old Yuelu Academy and Orange Isle,” Liu mentioned.

During their visit, he encouraged everyone to experience the local cuisine, culture and landscapes.

The conference aimed to improve China-Philippines journalism cooperation by providing a forum for sharing perspectives and discussing issues in the changing media landscape.

“Through this seminar, we hope to provide a platform for learning and exchange, where participants can jointly explore the experiences and challenges faced by the news media industry in the context of the new era, thereby advancing the cooperation between China and the Philippines in the news media field to new heights,” Liu added.

Comprehensive training and immersive experiences

Tang Jin, party secretary of Hunan International Business Vocational College, outlined the seminar’s comprehensive program.

“We will invite experts and professionals from renowned universities and enterprises in Hunan Province to engage in in-depth discussions on journalism management experiences with everyone. Alongside our comprehensive courses, we’ve curated enriching field trips,” Tang said.

Participants in the program went to well-known media centers such Red Net Group, Hunan Mass Media Vocational and Technical College, and Malanshan Video Creation Industrial Park. They also visited the Guangdong New Media Center and Guangdong Radio and Television Station (GRT) to learn more about China’s cutting-edge media sector and to experience the city’s dynamic urban culture.

Additionally, he said, “Hunan International Business Vocational College has a history of over 70 years. It is a “first-class vocational college in Hunan,” “China’s Training Base for International-oriented Talents in Foreign Trade,” “Backbone College for The Project of Reinvigorating Economy through Talents Organized by Ministry of Commerce of China,” and one of the first four “Academy bases for International Business Officials” authorized by Ministry of Commerce as well as Hunan Business Officials Training Center.”

This was the 14th year in a row that their institution has hosted a news media training program. Their college currently employs 500 working staffs and faculty, 225 professors and associate professors, and more than 11,000 full-time students.

The College actively provides technical services and external training while working to establish full-time higher education. They trained tens of thousands of various talents from all across China and also from more than 100 countries and regions all over the world annually. They have become the backbones of their own fields.

Facilitated by Xu Qianya, project manager of China-aid training faculty of Hunan International Business Vocational College, the seminar welcomed journalists from notable Philippine media outlets, including Daily Tribune, News5 Digital, TV5, DZRH Manila Broadcasting Company, DZUP, Chinatown TV and Radio Mindanao Network-Davao.

Through knowledge sharing and cooperation, the initiative strives to strengthen the relationship between China’s and the Philippines’ media industries and pave the way for a more robust journalism alliance.