At the Annual Content Creation Exchange Meeting of "A Date With China 2026" in Hengqin, Guangdong province, on Oct 23, Omar Er-Rouch, director of MAP Asia/Oceania Office, shared his insights on China‑related audience interest and cross‑border journalism.
Omar Er-Rouch said that readers in Morocco and North Africa follow China very closely for its economic and industrial development, technological innovation and international role. Topics including desertification control and ecological restoration easily resonate with local audiences.
He highlighted two standout reports. One was "Tongliao, China's 'Green Great Wall' brings life back to land once claimed by desert." The other explored family bonds in "China: When the Mid‑Autumn moon brings families together." Beyond economic figures, human‑centered stories better demonstrate what real‑world change means, he noted. Firsthand on‑site reporting helps overseas audiences genuinely understand Chinese‑style modernization.
"International audiences may notice China for its global strength, yet they connect with China through its people, culture and shared societal challenges," he said. A journalist's job is neither to glorify every achievement nor fixate only on difficulties. Reporters should deliver fact‑based stories with full context to help audiences grasp China's full complexity. Journalism from China serves as a two‑way bridge linking China with Morocco and broader North Africa.
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 produce and share their work.
