At the Annual Content Creation Exchange Meeting of "A Date With China 2026", Asghar Muhammad, special correspondent of the Associated Press of Pakistan, stressed that firsthand field interviews, factual reporting and human‑centered storytelling are essential to break cross‑border stereotypes and help global audiences form independent views about China, in Hengqin, Guangdong province, on Oct 23.
Having covered China for a long time, Asghar said there is often a big gap between how some international media portray China and what one can discover when you visit the ground yourself.
"I found the realities on the ground to be very different from what those narratives had led me to expect," he noted. He stressed that journalists need to talk with local people, visit communities and base judgments on firsthand facts instead of pre‑existing prejudices.
When asked about the role of professional media in clearing cross‑border misunderstandings and presenting a true image of China, Asghar said media serves as more than a news outlet — it is an important bridge connecting people and different cultures.
He pointed out three important principles for journalists to fight stereotypes: report solid facts, provide necessary background context, and focus on human‑centered stories.
Reporters should show a well‑rounded view of China, covering not only its development progress but also real challenges and diverse voices within society, he said. It is also vital to explain each country's unique history and culture to global audiences, which helps reduce misinterpretation and encourage meaningful exchanges.
Most importantly, personal human stories can bring people closer across borders. Behind every major development are people with genuine life experiences and dreams. Such stories help global readers find common ground shared by all humanity.
"In my daily reporting, I really hope to present a China that is real, diverse, dynamic, and full of humanity — a China that is developing rapidly, preserving its cultural heritage, embracing new opportunities, and facing challenges just like any other society," Asghar said.
He aims to present the everyday life of Chinese people, rather than only headline‑grabbing news.
"Trust cannot be built by simple words. It comes from steady, credible and independent reporting," he said. "Our responsibility is not to tell people what to think about China, but to give them the facts, context, and perspectives they need to form their own understanding."
This exchange meeting served as a platform for content creators and journalists to discuss effective strategies for cross-border communication and sharing authentic Chinese stories with the world.
At the exchange meeting, the "A Date With China" International Youth Co-Creation Initiative was officially launched. This open platform is designed for Gen Z content creators worldwide and is a collaborative effort by China Daily Website in partnership with Tencent, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Bilibili. It aims to provide a dedicated space for young creators from China and abroad to create and share their work.
