Fuzhou:The 2026 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road commenced in Fuzhou, Fujian, China, aiming to enhance mutual understanding among media professionals and strengthen ties among media organizations worldwide. The event, held on Tuesday, focused on the role of media amid the global shifts brought about by artificial intelligence, regional collaboration, and global communication.
According to Philippines News Agency, the forum was attended by approximately 100 international, national, and regional organizations, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, 182 media organizations, and more than 200 representatives from various countries. Filipino representatives, such as Michael Alexander Ang, Director and Board Member of The Manila Times, participated in the event, which underscored the importance of media in fostering communication and understanding between nations, particularly between the Philippines and China.
The gathering served as a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and cooperation among participants and their countries. Ang highlighted the significance of the media in understanding and implementing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, which aim to enhance connectivity in policy, infrastructure, trade, finance, and people-to-people exchanges.
The forum's theme, "Pursuing Common Understandings and Shared Aspirations along the Belt and Road," emphasized the media's role in promoting high-quality BRI cooperation for mutual development and prosperity. The opening ceremony also launched the "Belt and Road Media Cooperation Fuzhou Initiative," with The Manila Times as a member, promoting further collaboration through journalist exchanges and joint media projects.
The BRI, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, seeks to connect countries along the ancient Silk Road through infrastructure and economic development. The forum also includes a joint media tour for delegates to explore China and deepen mutual understanding, highlighting Fujian's historical and economic significance as the birthplace of the ancient Maritime Silk Road.
