MEDIA
Connecting Through Cyberspace
Xiamen forum puts spotlight on deepening China-Africa media cooperation through Internet
By Donatien Niyonzima
9 May 2024
In an era of connectivity and digital innovation, the China-Africa relationship stands out as a stimulus for international cooperation in the field of the Internet and media cooperation.
Early April this year, the city of Xiamen in China’s Fujian Province hosted the 2024 China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum, marking a significant milestone in charting the course for deepening digital ties between the two regions. With over 400 participants from China and 20 African countries, including government officials, African ambassadors, international organisation representatives, Internet company executives and think tank leaders, the forum aimed to promote a common vision for technological progress and cultural exchange in cyberspace.
Power of media cooperation
At the heart of China-Africa Internet cooperation is the expanding role of the media. The media is a powerful tool for shaping perceptions and narratives about each other’s cultures, economies and societies. Wang Song, vice minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China, emphasised the importance of building bridges through online media and cultural cooperation, saying, “Chinese and African Internet media should be builders of China-Africa friendship and make the voice of China-Africa cooperation heard ... We will continue to deepen media cooperation models, enrich cooperation content, improve cooperation mechanisms and expand cooperation carriers.” The online media sub-forum of the forum discussed topics such as innovative storytelling, promoting online cultural exchanges and strengthening people-to-people connectivity.
The sub-forum stressed that the establishment of media outlets that cater to both Chinese and African audiences has been instrumental in promoting mutual understanding. Su Junbin, one of the speakers at the forum, highlighted the responsibility of Chinese mainstream online media in promoting mutual trust and cooperation: “Chinese mainstream online media has an important responsibility to promote mutual trust and cooperation, safeguard world peace and promote global development, and is an important bridge for China and Africa to exchange and learn from each other, and connect people’s hearts and minds.” Initiatives such as the Kiswahili version of the People’s Daily have provided African audiences with a nuanced view of China, countering the one-dimensional portrayal in Western media.
Cooperation also extends to television, with co-produced programmes reaching millions of viewers across Africa. These programmes not only entertain but also educate viewers about each other’s cultures and societies, fostering a deeper mutual understanding. As Baharu Ydnekachew Andarge, a journalist from Ethiopia, eloquently put it, “The exciting possibilities of cyberspace [promote] cultural exchange, mutual learning and the development of international communication talents in the new era.” This sentiment underlines the transformative potential of media cooperation in bridging the gap between China and Africa.
Embracing AI and innovation
In-depth discussions on China-Africa cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) were another highlight of the Xiamen forum. Participants called for strengthening policy dialogue, promoting joint technology R&D and applications, boosting industrial cooperation, exchanging talent, and building safeguards for cyber and data security.
AI presents immense opportunities, but also complex challenges that require coordinated global governance. Su noted that media colleagues, especially the developers and users of AI, should share the responsibility of ensuring that the use of the technology not only meets ethical standards, but also serves the long-term interests of the society and avoids the potential risks posed by the misuse of the technology. “By working together, China and Africa can harness the power of AI for sustainable development while ensuring its responsible use,” he added.
The focus on technology cooperation extends beyond AI to include emerging technologies such as virtual reality and smart audio-visual tools. South African Ambassador to China Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and mutual training in new media skills and platforms, saying, “It is very important to share experiences and mutual training in new media skills and platforms, as well as to work together towards a balanced and safe governance of AI to minimise potential abuses while maximising its benefits.” These technologies will be used to overcome language barriers and enhance people-to-people communication, especially among the youth populations of both regions.
Cui Shoujun, professor at Renmin University of China, further emphasised the need to deepen cultural exchanges and enhance content production in line with the spirit of the Global Civilisation Initiative. This holistic approach to technology cooperation ensures that the narratives shared are not only informative, but also reflect the shared values and aspirations of both China and Africa. By embracing the power of technology and innovation, China and Africa are laying the foundation for mutual growth and prosperity in the digital age.
Towards sustainable cooperation
Despite significant progress, the journey of China-Africa Internet and media cooperation is not without its challenges. Issues such as the digital divide and the need for a balanced narrative that respects both cultures without bias require continued attention and thoughtful handling. Ambassador Cwele noted the importance of promoting global peace, justice and shared prosperity through the use of new Internet media. Addressing these sensitive issues with respect and fostering mutual understanding will be crucial to the long-term sustainability of this partnership.
As cooperation deepens, it will be important to ensure that it remains equitable and respectful of sovereignty and local customs. Maintaining equality and respect will be essential for the long-term sustainability of this partnership. Through shared experiences and mutual understanding, China and Africa are paving the way for lasting friendships and partnerships in the digital age. As China-Africa cooperation grows, it is imperative that Chinese mainstream online media work hand in hand with their African counterparts to present a nuanced view of each other’s rapidly evolving digital landscapes.