Observing China, Sensing China: Africa’s Media Focus on Summit Progress and Traditional Intangible Cultural Heritage
by [Your Name], Staff Writer
The 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has drawn a record number of journalists, with over 3,000 registered participants from China and abroad. Among them, African journalists are not only paying close attention to the summit’s progress but are also taking the opportunity to perceive China’s development and immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural heritage.
A Glimpse into Chinese Traditional Arts
In the news center of the summit, a special intangible cultural heritage interaction zone has been set up, showcasing an array of exquisite Chinese crafts that embody the unique charm of Eastern aesthetics. The delicate craftsmanship of the Haudai kites, with their meticulous materials and intricate structures, and the Beijing-style cloisonné vases have captured the eyes and imagination of the visiting journalists.
The非遗 (Intangible Cultural Heritage) inheritors present at the venue have provided on-site explanations and demonstrations, allowing the journalists to experience firsthand the allure of Chinese traditional culture. Journalist Salih Ibrahim Layal from Djibouti’s La Nation newspaper, who is visiting China for the first time, expressed his admiration for the vibrant and unique Chinese culture. He is particularly impressed by the country’s rapid progress, especially in the fields of digitalization and technology.
Sharing China’s Development Story
Layal sees the summit as an excellent opportunity to understand China and share his observations with the people of Djibouti. He believes that African nations can learn from and perhaps emulate China’s development model. The summit has given me a chance to see China’s progress up close and to convey this to my readers back home, Layal said. The digital and technological advancements are particularly inspiring.
Embracing Sustainable Development
In addition to the cultural experiences, the journalists were introduced to a collection of creative cultural and creative products that embody China’s commitment to green development. These eco-friendly items, made from recycled materials, include a phone case crafted from recycled apple peels, silk scarves with patterns inspired by the Palace Museum’s collections printed on reused plastic bottles, and flowerpots made from coffee grounds.
A total of 60 eco-friendly cultural and creative products from the Palace Museum, themed Zero Waste, were showcased, highlighting functionality and sustainability while preserving the traditional Chinese cultural essence. The journalists were struck by the Chinese creativity and the underlying green development philosophy.
A Platform for Learning and Exchange
Nimbona Alfred, a journalist from Burundi’s Le Nouvelliste, pointed out that the summit is not only about reporting but also about observing China’s development. Everything here has been a pleasant surprise, he said, adding that the summit will explore various topics related to China-Africa cooperation, with many Chinese projects in Burundi.
Similarly, Qadar Awes Hassan from the Somali National News Agency expressed his eagerness to report on the summit, noting that it is the largest-scale diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years. He is particularly interested in Chinese culture, development, and especially the country’s experience in infrastructure, which he believes African nations can learn from to achieve better development.
Conclusion
The 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit is not just a platform for political and economic discussions but also a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Through their interactions with Chinese culture and development, African journalists are not only reporting on the summit but also becoming ambassadors of China’s story to their respective audiences. This cultural diplomacy is a vital component of the growing ties between China and Africa, fostering a deeper connection and a more profound appreciation of each other’s heritage and progress.
Views: 0