The China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) began the second half of 2026 with an orientation session held on Friday morning at Renmin University of China (RUC) in Beijing. This key initiative, launched by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), continues to function as an important platform for practical cooperation between Chinese media organizations and their counterparts from emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs), especially in Global South nations.
Since its establishment in 2014, the program has shown significant growth. This year, China hosted a three-and-a-half-month immersive experience for over 100 journalists from around 100 countries.
At the orientation session, CIPCC Director Yu Lei warmly welcomed the participants, emphasizing the immense opportunity before them. He stated that this is a chance for communicators to convey an authentic and comprehensive picture of China to their diverse audiences. Yu Lei specified that during the program, participants will gain a complete, multidimensional understanding of China. The director also noted that the program's goal is not only to develop media relations with developing countries and Global South nations but also to assist these countries in their development. Yu Lei also answered journalists' questions, continuing the tradition of open dialogue characteristic of previous cohorts.
The program structure is built around six regional press communication centers, each with dedicated coordinators and student volunteers who organize classes, interviews, and cultural events. This year, participants are residing on the RUC campus, giving journalists a unique opportunity to experience the life of international students at one of China's leading institutions for journalism and communications studies.
Iran's participation has been a significant element in the expanding scope of CIPCC. After journalists from Tehran Times represented Iran in the 2024 and 2025 cohorts, a journalist from Iran Daily is now participating in the 2026 program. Like their predecessors, the current participant received an exceptionally warm welcome in China, reflecting the strengthening ties between the two nations.
Following the orientation, participants attended the first lecture delivered by Dr. Jun Xin, Professor at the RUC School of Journalism and Communications and Director of the CIPCC-RUC Program. The lecture focused on the recent earthquake along the Nepal-China border, demonstrating the program's commitment to timely and relevant topics.
CIPCC is distinguished by its comprehensive approach to professional development. As explained by Director Yu Lei, participants will engage in journalistic training, diplomatic programs, cultural immersion, and official visits both within and outside Beijing, including practical internships in major Chinese media organizations. Previous cohorts included trips to various regions such as Hebei, Tianjin, and Xinjiang, allowing journalists to witness China's development firsthand. China's media diplomacy programs have attracted considerable global attention, complementing its emergence as an economic, technological, and industrial model. Participants are encouraged to observe China with their own eyes, feel China with their heart, and present to the Global South both ancient and modern China. Through its commitment to international communication and mutual civilizational learning, the CIPCC program continues to forge connections between China and the Global South, fostering intercultural understanding and credible narratives in an era of global transformation.