BEIJING, 16 July 2026 (TATOLI) — Twenty-five journalists from Timor-Leste are taking part in a three-week media exchange programme in Beijing from July 15 to August 4 under an initiative supported by the Chinese government.
The programme focuses on The Evolution of Journalism from the Past to the Contemporary Era and is organised by the China International Communication Group’s Institute of International Studies and Advanced Training (CICG IISAT), with support from China’s Ministry of Commerce.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Beijing Ziyu Hotel, CICG IISAT Deputy Director Zhu Zhongshu welcomed the Timorese participants and underscored the longstanding friendship between China and Timor-Leste.
Zhu recalled the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta in Beijing in July 2024, when the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
He said this year marks the 35th anniversary of dialogue relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adding that Timor-Leste’s accession as ASEAN’s newest member has created new opportunities for regional cooperation and was one of the reasons for organising the seminar.
“We aim to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of our two countries, strengthen exchanges between the media sectors, and help Timorese journalists gain a better understanding of China’s modernisation process. Together, we can tell the story of China-Timor-Leste cooperation and its mutual benefits, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future through the power of the media,” Zhu said.
He added that the long-standing friendship between Beijing and Dili serves as an important foundation for promoting coordinated development across the Asia-Pacific region.
“We hope to deepen the traditional friendship between our peoples and use this opportunity to open a window for our Timorese friends to better understand China while strengthening mutual trust, mutual learning, inclusiveness and shared progress,” he said.
Zhu said the organisers would provide the necessary support to ensure participants benefited fully from the programme.
“We hope that through this programme you will have the opportunity to experience a real, diverse and inclusive China and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s modernisation journey,” he said.
Addressing the participants, Zhu also underlined the role of journalists in strengthening people-to-people ties.
“Journalists serve as a bridge between peoples. We hope that through your reports and articles you will share your observations, experiences and reflections with the people of Timor-Leste, enabling more people to gain a direct understanding of China’s dynamic development,” he said.
He added that he hoped the programme would further strengthen media and cultural exchanges between the two countries and contribute to a new chapter in China-Timor-Leste friendship.
Representing the Secretary of State for Social Communication (SECOMS), Augusto dos Reis said the journalists’ participation followed a request from the Chinese Embassy in Timor-Leste to the government of Timor-Leste.
“We hope the journalists will make full use of this opportunity to learn from Chinese experts and acquire knowledge that they can apply in their professional work in Timor-Leste,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Tatoli executive Zezito da Silva thanked the governments of China and Timor-Leste, through SECOMS, for providing the opportunity to attend the three-week programme.
He said the training would play an important role in strengthening journalists’ knowledge across a wide range of fields.
According to the programme, participants will attend lectures on journalism, Chinese culture, national development, history, politics, society and cultural traditions.
The seminar also includes sessions on building a China-ASEAN community with a shared future, the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Timor-Leste cooperation, and the philosophy and practice of Chinese modernisation.
Participants will also study international news reporting by major Chinese media organisations, including Xinhua News Agency, the development of China’s digital media sector through the example of China.org.cn, and the relationship between China’s development and the evolution of its media industry.
Journalist: Osório Marques
Editor: Xisto Freitas Piedade
Translation: Filomeno Martins
