China, Mongolia urge stronger media cooperation

Officials and industry professionals from China and Mongolia have underscored the vital role of journalism in deepening bilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties, urging news organizations from both countries to amplify voices that promote mutual understanding and dispel misconceptions.

They made the remarks on Tuesday at the 16th China-Mongolia Journalism Forum held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The forum brought together more than 120 guests and representatives from the Chinese and Mongolian media sectors.

Cui Shixin, executive vice-president of the All-China Journalists Association, highlighted the shared challenges and opportunities facing China and Mongolia as developing countries located in Northeast Asia.

"Both nations need to facilitate people-to-people exchanges and cement the foundation of friendship," Cui said.

He expressed hope that Chinese and Mongolian media would uphold objectivity and fairness, elevate positive voices that enhance understanding and build consensus, eliminate misunderstandings, and continue to strengthen the social foundation of the China-Mongolia friendship.

Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg echoed this sentiment, saying the foundation of ties lies in the people and that the basis of bilateral cooperation is in mutual understanding.

"Authentic, objective and fair news reporting by media is therefore crucial, as it can effectively bridge the distance between the two peoples, advance mutual understanding and lay a solid public opinion foundation for the sustained practical cooperation between China and Mongolia," she said.

Media coverage is essential not only for deepening mutual understanding and friendship, but also for accurately conveying the real achievements of bilateral relations and the tangible benefits of cooperation to the public, she added.

Luvsandash Ninjjamts, president of the Confederation of Mongolian Journalists, said media not only bears the responsibility of timely and accurate news reporting, but also serves as an important bridge for promoting mutual understanding, building consensus for collaboration and creating shared development opportunities.

"Practical collaboration between Mongolia and China in areas such as economy, trade and science continues to expand and deepen," Ninjjamts said.

"However, statistical data alone are insufficient to convey the full picture of this cooperation. We need to explore vivid personal stories, document real-life scenarios and effectively narrate the practical achievements of our shared development."

Bao Xianhua, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee, described the media as a pivotal force in building bridges between hearts.

Since its inception in 2010, the China-Mongolia Journalism Forum has become an important platform for regular exchanges and collaboration between the media communities of the two countries, Bao said.

Facing a complex and ever-changing environment of international public opinion, the responsibility of media in both countries is even greater, he said, calling on them to fully utilize new media platforms and technologies, tell compelling stories of how China-Mongolia cooperation benefits the people, and convey the development philosophy of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

The forum also witnessed the signing of collaboration agreements between local governments and media outlets from both countries.

Contact the writers at chenyingqun@chinadaily.com.cn