Media leaders and academics gathered this week in Rio de Janeiro for the 2024 China–Latin America and Caribbean Media Cooperation Forum, seeking stronger connections between the two sides.
Under the theme "Mutual Learning, and Mutual Understanding," the forum, which lasts from this Tuesday to Friday, aims to highlight common ground between China and Latin America despite barriers such as distance, language and culture.
Chinese newspaper the People's Daily and Brazilian news organization Monitor Mercantil teamed up to co-organize this year's forum, marking the first collaboration between the two media organizations.
The meeting focused on the decade-long friendly cooperation between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), particularly in the media realm.
"In the past 10 years, we've focused on improving our structure and have produced a vast number of stories that showcase the vitality of both China and Latin America. Today, we are welcoming nearly a hundred media outlets and think tanks from both regions," said Hu Guo, vice president of the People's Daily, speaking on stage at the event.
Marcos de Oliveira, president of Monitor Mercantil, emphasized that as China becomes a leading trade partner for CELAC, the need for more direct communication is growing increasingly important.
"What happens in Latin America is that much of our news contact with China comes through Europe or the United States, which are partners with a strong Western bias. However, today the internet is making it easier for us to engage in a more fluid dialogue without any intermediaries," he said, speaking to a reporter.
This year's Silk Road Global News Awards were also announced at the event. Journalists were encouraged to submit their work in four categories: reporting, photography, video, and innovation.
Attendees said forums of this nature provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas.
"For journalists it's very important. It's crucial for our social development, for our business development, for our cultural development and for better living of the future generations. China needs us, and we need China," said Malu Fernandes, a journalist with the Brazilian Press Association.
Many at the meeting said Chinese and Latin American media are not only injecting new energy into Sino-Latin relations but are helping facilitate understanding amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
China, Latin American countries hold forum to bolster media cooperation
China, Latin American countries hold forum to bolster media cooperation
