Timorese journalists complete three-week media exchange and training program in China
BEIJING, 05 August 2026 (TATOLI) — A delegation of 24 Timorese journalists, including seven reporters from TATOLI News Agency, has completed a three-week media exchange and professional training programme in China, deepening their understanding of the country’s development and strengthening media cooperation between Timor-Leste and China.
The programme, organized by the China International Communications Group (CICG), combined classroom lectures, institutional visits and exchanges with Chinese officials, scholars and media professionals, offering participants a comprehensive overview of China’s economic, technological and social transformation.
Throughout the programme, the journalists attended seminars on China’s socioeconomic development, foreign policy, scientific and technological innovation, cultural heritage and modernization strategy. They also examined China-ASEAN relations, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the country’s rapid advances in artificial intelligence, particularly its application in agriculture, healthcare and other strategic sectors.
Participants also learned about China’s rural revitalization strategy, environmental conservation, industrial innovation and the integration of tourism with cultural development as part of the country’s broader sustainable development agenda.
The media component of the programme focused on the evolution of China’s media landscape, the role of journalism in national development and the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in the news industry.
In addition to classroom learning, the delegation visited government agencies, media organizations, technology companies and innovation centres in Beijing and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, giving participants first-hand exposure to China’s technological progress and digital transformation.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, CICG representative Li Hengtian congratulated the Timorese journalists on successfully completing the programme and commended their commitment and active participation throughout the three-week exchange.
“This programme is not only about learning journalism and sharing professional experiences, but also about strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the people of Timor-Leste and China,” Li said.
He thanked the participants for their enthusiasm and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and experience gained during the programme in their professional work.
Li also underscored the media’s role in promoting mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people exchanges between Timor-Leste and China.
Representing the Timorese delegation, Augusto Sarmento dos Reis expressed appreciation to CICG, the Chinese Government and the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Secretary of State for Social Communication, for supporting the initiative.
He said the programme had provided valuable opportunities for professional development and cultural exchange, and expressed hope that CICG would continue organizing similar programmes for journalists from Timor-Leste and other ASEAN member states.
A participant from the state-owned broadcaster RTTL, Faustina Brites de Araujo, described the exchange as an enriching experience that broadened her professional knowledge and international perspective.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation for the partnership between the Secretary of State for Social Communication, the Chinese Embassy in Dili and CICG for providing us with the opportunity to participate in this media exchange and training programme,” she said.
The exchange programme forms part of broader efforts by Timor-Leste and China to strengthen cooperation in media and communications, enhance professional capacity and promote closer understanding between journalists and institutions from both countries.
Journalist: Felicidade Ximenes
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Filomeno Martins
