Peking University, June 15, 2022: On May 28, 2022, the “Strengthening international communication, showcasing a vivid China: Cultivating talents and developing academic discipline of international journalism and communication in the new age” symposium was held virtually. The event was jointly organised by Peking University (PKU), and China Daily. Hao Ping, president of PKU, Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, and Chen Lujun, president of China News Service, were among various distinguished professionals and academics who have graced the event. Sun Qingwei, vice president of PKU, moderated the keynote speeches, while Tang Jinnan, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) PKU School of Journalism and Communication (PKU SJC) committee, was the moderator for the seminar.


On May 31, 2021, President Xi Jinpingoutlined the vision and mission of international public relations in China. He stressed the importance and necessity of improving China’s capacity for international communication engagements. The goal is to present a true, multi-dimensional, and panoramic view of China, and to develop a voice in international discourse that matches China’s comprehensive national strength and status. To achieve this, China has to cultivate talents and professionals and enrich its academic research in journalism and communication.

In their opening addresses, Hao and Qu revisited President Xi’s speech, emphasising its significance in guiding efforts of international communication. Hao acknowledged the changing international environment faced by educators and institutions while affirming the contributions of PKU SJC in cultivating journalism and communication talents and promoting international public relations. Under the revamped “Double First-Class Initiative”, PKU strives to further the development of world-class talents in journalism and communication to serve China and the world. Qu commemorated the 40th anniversary of China Daily and expressed high hopes for the Symposium and PKU.

Other guest speakers recognised the milestones of Chinese journalism in recent years, at the same time noting challenges in this new age. Yan Chengsheng, director of the International Cooperation Department, National Radio and Television Administration, provided three suggestions to combating these challenges: (1) further international communication research with practicality, (2) increase cultural connectivity through innovative concepts, (3) strengthen academic development and produce quality talents.

During the seminar, experts and renowned professionals spoke from theoretical, practical, academic, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Notably, Chen Lujun highlighted collaborations between China News Service and higher education institutes, while others underlined the fostering of academic networks and suggested ways to cultivate talents. Renowned CGTN host Tian Wei shared her experiences from working at the frontlines, shedding light on the current state of international communication. Drawing on the similarities between international communication and other academic fields, such as foreign languages and international relations, academics proposed various innovations in developing practical capabilities in communication talents.

Chen Gang, dean of PKU SJC, summarised the discussions by reviewing the development of PKU SJC and introduced the adaptations the School has made in the face of new challenges. He notes that PKU SJC will strive to increase its efforts in talent cultivation, and hopes for higher education, commercial, and research institutes to work together in developing the Chinese expertise in international journalism and communication.

Written by: Brenda Cheong
Edited by: Ma Yaoli
Source: PKU News (Chinese)