Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
In early March, the annual "Two Sessions"—the sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)—opened in Beijing. Inside and outside the Great Hall of the People, a special group of people can be seen: foreign journalists telling the story of China in various languages. Through cameras and journalistic materials, they convey to the world their vision of China's development. What do they focus on? Which aspects of China's development most appeal to them?
The Allure of Chinese Culture: From Curiosity to Passion
"I've been watching Jackie Chan movies since I was a child and thinking about how wonderful China is, a country with a great civilization and a unique culture," said Asmaa, a journalist for China Arab TV, recalling her introduction to China. Her father, who worked for the Tunisian Ministry of Tourism, noticed that many Chinese tourists struggled to communicate effectively with locals due to the language barrier and advised his daughter to learn Chinese. Today, Asmaa has lived in China for almost ten years and speaks fluent Chinese.
"Chinese culture is rich and multifaceted." Asmaa, along with China Arab TV's "Chinese Culture" program, has visited many cities in the country. "Each city has its own unique beauty and cuisine. If you ask me which city I like the most, I'd be hard-pressed to answer because each one has left a deep impression on me."
Asmaa's colleague, Ayoub Beshruri, told a journalist from the website Zhongguowang that the program "China Culture" on China Arab TV enjoys quite high ratings. "Many viewers are particularly interested in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Sometimes they are dissatisfied with the results of Western medicine and want to try Chinese medicine," Ayoub said. He says that, besides TCM, he is most often asked about travel recommendations: "China is so big, where is the best place to go?" He recommends various destinations based on the unique characteristics of different places, such as the coastal charm of Hainan, the ancient metropolitan atmosphere of Beijing, the culture of Qilu in Shandong Province, and the modern dynamism of Guangzhou. He believes each of these places is unique and worth experiencing for yourself.
Karen Khachaturyan, a correspondent for the Armenian news agency Armenpress, also spoke about the cultural affinity with China. "Our people deeply love and respect traditional Chinese culture. Chinese films are often shown here, and Chinese songs are gradually gaining popularity," he shared. He added that despite their geographical distance, Armenia and China share ancient civilizations, creating a natural affinity between them.
Development is gaining momentum: innovation and quality are two growth drivers
This is Karen Khachaturyan's second visit to China, which he came to cover during the "two sessions." He first visited the country in 2019 to cover the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. These two trips allowed him to observe the changes in China's development. "During my first visit, I knew virtually nothing about China, but then I saw a country confidently moving along the path of development. Seven years later, I see a China developing at an even faster pace."
After nearly ten years of living in China, Asmaa has experienced firsthand the rapid changes taking place in the country. "China is developing so rapidly right now that it's attracting close attention in all areas. Through the coverage of the 'two sessions,' people can see a China that emphasizes both the pace and quality of development."
This year, while covering the "two sessions," Asmaa tried out smart glasses for the first time, which made her interviews and reporting more effective. "I look forward to China's innovation achievements this year and am confident they will bring even more real benefits."
The deep integration of culture and technology has become a topic of particular interest to American journalist Erik Nilsson of China Daily. "This year, we're particularly focused on the development of new cultural forms such as microdramas, online literature, short videos, and online games," he noted. Nilsson believes that the game "Black Myth: Wukong," which has become a true phenomenon, is a brilliant example of the combination of advanced technology and classical Chinese mythology. He believes that in the field of cultural heritage protection, the use of technologies such as robot dogs, artificial intelligence, and big data is providing a breakthrough in both the preservation and popularization of culture. They not only allow for better protection of ancient architectural monuments but also allow people to experience them digitally, almost as if they were real.
"All this doesn't happen out of nowhere; it's the result of government policy. Many political decisions are largely developed during these 'two sessions,'" he emphasized. Government policy subtly but gradually shapes people's daily lives: from the content on screens to the food on the table, from travel options to cultural creativity.
New Prospects for Cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative
As a journalist from an Arab country, Asmaa is particularly attentive to the signals regarding economic cooperation being sent by the "two sessions." "In recent years, China and Arab countries have been actively cooperating in areas such as economics and trade, investment, science, and technology," she said. "This year, I am also focusing on the development of emerging industries, such as the low-altitude economy." She believes that China's Belt and Road Initiative not only contributes to China's own development but also benefits all participating countries. "I sincerely hope that Arab countries and China will strengthen cooperation in economic, trade, science, technology, and other areas, leveraging their mutual advantages and achieving common development."
Khachaturyan, in turn, particularly emphasizes the importance of linking the Belt and Road Initiative with Armenia's Crossroads of the World project. "I believe our countries have enormous potential for cooperation, and the Belt and Road Initiative will open new avenues for many investment projects," he emphasized.
They tell the world about China through the coverage of the "two sessions"
By covering the current sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Khachaturyan hopes to present a comprehensive picture of China's development to Armenian audiences. This year marks the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan. "I understand how important this is for China, and I will make every effort to cover the events as fully as possible so that the people of Armenia can learn about China's future development prospects and the new opportunities that will open up for our bilateral cooperation."
Asmaa, in turn, extended an invitation to all her foreign friends: "If you're looking for a peaceful, calm, and energetic country, come to China first. China is vast, and every city is unique—it's worth seeing with your own eyes."
From cultural resonance to technological breakthroughs, from trade and economic cooperation to everyday life—through the window of the "two sessions," foreign journalists saw the real, multifaceted, and comprehensive China. They not only document China's development but also act as cultural ambassadors, connecting China with the world. As Asmaa said, "I'm very proud to now speak Chinese fluently. Since coming to China, I've gained a better understanding of its various aspects, including its ideas and way of life."
This understanding and approval is conveyed to the whole world through the reports of journalists.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.