The 2024 Belt and Road Media Community Summit Forum, hosted by the China Media Group (CMG), was held in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on Wednesday, gathering attendees from around the world to explore innovative cooperation models and discuss the role of new technologies in advancing the media industry.
The forum, themed "Land Meets Sea: Towards Innovation, Intelligence, and the Future," brought together experts, scholars, and representatives from 160 media organizations across 30 countries and regions.
The event saw the launch of a declaration focused on the joint development and sharing of a technology innovation ecosystem for the Belt and Road media community. The declaration calls on global media outlets to share opportunities, manage risks and promote ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI).
In his opening remarks, Shen Haixiong, president of the CMG, highlighted the group's commitment to enhancing global media cooperation, improving connectivity, and fostering platforms for international dialogue.
After eight years of development, the Belt and Road Media Community, initiated by the CMG, has expanded to include 148 members and partners from 64 countries and regions.
International media participants noted that the initiatives put forward by the community are helping play a crucial role in expanding mutually beneficial cooperation among media outlets worldwide.
"The initiative by the Belt and Road Media Community has been one of the cornerstones in bringing media together, in working together and developing productions and co-productions, which we have been involved with. Every year there are technologies changing, and I think our focus will be to help and guide our members in the use of these technologies, especially AI these days. Because the ethical issues around AI has become a very, very important area for us to focus," said Ahmed Nadeem, secretary general of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.
During the opening ceremony, several international cooperation projects were signed, while scholars and experts in the media sector were also invited to share their insights on the theme of media transformation through generative AI.
Since its establishment in 2016, the Belt and Road Media Community Summit Forum has evolved into a vital platform for communication and collaboration and has also served as a significant initiative to promote cultural exchange and mutual learning among diverse civilizations.
Belt and Road Media Community Summit Forum held in Chongqing
Belt and Road Media Community Summit Forum held in Chongqing
Belt and Road Media Community Summit Forum held in Chongqing
Belt and Road Media Community Summit Forum held in Chongqing
In a rapidly changing economic landscape, many of China's private enterprises are seeking innovative ways not only to thrive but also to preserve the nation's rich cultural heritage.
One such company is CHJ Jewelry, a leading jewelry brand based in Shantou City, south China's Guangdong Province. The company has turned to ancient craft techniques to stay competitive while keeping traditional Chinese artistry alive.
Filigree inlaying is at the heart of CHJ Jewelry's approach.
"Filigree Inlaying is one of China's eight traditional core jewelry-making techniques. Working on this fine 0.2-millimeter gold thread requires 18 steps to complete. If you're not careful, it will snap," said Huang Ming, an artisan at the company's filigree workshop.
This intangible heritage has a history of nearly 3,000 years. Mastering it is by no means easy.
"It may take two to three months just to learn the basics. To master the skill and turn out presentable artwork takes three to five years," said Huang.
Fewer and fewer young people are learning the craft, posing a risk to its preservation.
CHJ Jewelry realized this threat, and founded this filigree inlaying studio to train young artisans.
"The studio employs about 50 people, with young people making up about 60 percent," said Huang.
They have integrated ancient filigree inlaying techniques into modern jewelry designs.
To better preserve this intangible heritage, the company has established a jewelry museum, opening to tourists for free.
The museum showcases a stunning collection of filigree art, including the world's largest filigree artwork.
"We've spent three years on this. During the three years, about 40 to 50 artisans continuously worked on creating this masterpiece," said Cai Zhonghua, vice president of CHJ Jewelry.
In total, 350 kilograms of silver, four kilograms of gold, and more than 30,000 gemstones were used to complete the artwork, according to Cai.
To further incorporate traditional techniques into modern jewelry, the company has also invited designers from around the world to contribute innovative ideas, including Japan's famous designer Oki Sato.
With the rise of "China-chic", a cultural movement that blends modern fashion with traditional Chinese design elements, young people are showing increasing interest in jewelry that reflects their cultural pride. Last year, more than half of the gold buyers on the e-commerce platform Tmall were young people.
"Young people are very open to China-chic, and we constantly innovate products to reflect that. Private enterprises like ours are more flexible, energetic, daring to take on challenges," said Cai.
He expressed the hope that the innovative products will pass on China's intangible heritage and craftsmanship spirit.
Chinese jewelry company blends innovation with tradition to stay competitive
Chinese jewelry company blends innovation with tradition to stay competitive
