By Diana Arushanyan, Beijing

The grand opening ceremony of the second phase of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) program, being implemented on the basis of Renmin University of China, took place in Beijing. A total of 109 journalists from 101 countries are participating in the program. Among them is Diana Arushanyan, a correspondent for Armenia’s Armenian News-NEWS.am news agency.

During the next four months, members of foreign media will work in Beijing and several other provinces of China, covering key sociopolitical and cultural events, as well as getting acquainted with the large-scale process of socioeconomic transformations in modern China.

Welcoming the participants of the program, Assistant Foreign Minister of China Hong Lei emphasized the uniqueness of the moment and the country’s rapid progress.

"Yesterday, the ‘White Dew’ period began, one of the traditional Chinese solar micro-periods, which symbolizes the beginning of autumn. It is during this most beautiful period that we have gathered in Beijing to begin your 100-day journey in China. When I started working with foreign journalists more than 30 years ago, transportation and communication were an opportunity. To transfer a report from the regions, it was necessary to travel dozens of hours by train, and to process the photos in a photo studio. Today, the 1,300-kilometer journey from Beijing to Shanghai by high-speed train takes only four hours, and for the entire work cycle—from shooting to publication, only a smartphone is enough. This reflects not only the evolution of journalism, but also a microcosm of the rapid development of China itself," Hong noted.

The exchange program includes an intensive educational module, cultural exposure, and field reports throughout China.

Tong Xiaolin, vice president of the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), urged journalists to immerse themselves in the local context objectively and deeply.

“In the coming months, we have prepared for you a rich set of training courses, in-depth field visits, panel discussions, and unique cultural experiences. I hope you will appreciate this rare opportunity, break free from your preconceived notions, and break free from stereotyped thinking,” Tong emphasized.

During the four-month program, participants will also attend key international events, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, where journalists will be able to directly document key moments in regional integration and global cooperation.