(Photo courtesy of PNA)
FUZHOU, China – Media representatives from various countries gathered in Fuzhou, Fujian province, on Tuesday for the opening of the 2026 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road, aimed at strengthening international media partnerships, promoting mutual understanding and expanding cooperation among news organizations.
The forum brought together 182 media organizations and institutions, along with representatives from about 100 international, national and regional organizations, including those from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). More than 200 representatives from other countries also participated.
Discussions during the opening ceremony focused on the evolving role of media amid global developments, the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, regional cooperation and international communication.
Among the Philippine delegates was Michael Alexander Ang, director and board member of The Manila Times, who emphasized the importance of strengthening dialogue between Philippine and Chinese media organizations.
Ang said international media gatherings could help improve understanding between the two countries, particularly amid challenges affecting bilateral relations.
He noted that the forum provides opportunities for journalists and media executives to exchange knowledge, share experiences and explore potential partnerships.
“Well, we saw that there was a start of a BRI project in the Philippines, but it stopped. Hopefully, the role of the media can help develop more understanding on both sides, both from the Philippine side and the China side,” Ang said in an interview with CGTN-Filipino.
“So, just to understand more in terms of how these projects will come to our country, how they will help. But again, it goes beyond the discussion of one country pitching to another country, it goes into the heart of this type of exchanges being hosted by China through this media forum,” he added.
Ang is also scheduled to speak at the ASEAN Plus Three Media Cooperation Forum on Wednesday, where he is expected to discuss ways to strengthen regional media collaboration.
Forum promotes international media partnerships
Carrying the theme “Pursuing Common Understandings and Shared Aspirations along the Belt and Road,” the forum highlighted the media’s role in informing the public about cooperation projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Organizers emphasized the importance of communication and information-sharing in promoting awareness of development projects, economic partnerships and opportunities for cooperation among participating countries.
The opening ceremony also marked the launch of the “Belt and Road Media Cooperation: Fuzhou Initiative,” which includes The Manila Times among its members.
The initiative seeks to encourage closer collaboration among participating media organizations through journalist exchanges, content-sharing arrangements and joint media projects.
The forum is expected to provide additional opportunities for Philippine, Chinese and other international media organizations to establish working relationships and pursue collaborative reporting initiatives.
Belt and Road Initiative expands cooperation
The media forum forms part of broader cooperation activities associated with the Belt and Road Initiative, introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013.
The initiative seeks to strengthen economic connectivity and international cooperation by developing trade and infrastructure links inspired by the ancient Silk Road routes.
It promotes five areas of connectivity: policy coordination, infrastructure development, trade facilitation, financial integration and people-to-people exchanges.
Projects associated with the BRI include the construction of roads, bridges, ports and railway systems, alongside cooperation in healthcare, renewable energy, digital technology and innovation.
China has also promoted the initiative as a platform for strengthening economic partnerships and expanding development opportunities among participating countries.
Delegates to join media tour
Aside from the main discussions, the forum features several subforums focusing on regional media cooperation, technological developments and opportunities for joint projects.
Delegates are also expected to participate in a media tour of selected destinations in China to gain firsthand knowledge of local developments, cultural heritage and economic activities.
The activities are intended to encourage greater interaction among participants and deepen their understanding of China and its international partnerships.
Fujian province, which hosts this year’s forum, is historically associated with the ancient Maritime Silk Road and has maintained longstanding commercial and cultural connections with Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines.
Known for its mountainous landscapes, coastal communities and extensive greenery, Fujian has also experienced significant economic development in recent decades.
The province’s historical connections with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations make it a venue for discussions on strengthening regional communication and cooperation.
Organizers expect the forum to encourage sustained dialogue among international media organizations and develop practical partnerships in journalism, information exchange and cross-border communication.
