Chinese state media: Media should work towards enhancing understanding between the two countries

Chinese state press agency Xinhua News Agency has said that it is the social responsibility of the media of the Maldives and China, to enhance understanding and eliminate misunderstanding between the people of the two countries.

Wen Xinnian, General Manager of Xinhua News Agency, Asia Pacific Regional Bureau, made this remark while speaking at a seminar at Nasandhura Palace Hotel in Male’ on 8 July.

“I am sure that Chinese tourists will become a major pillar of Maldives tourism. I am wondering when the Chinese tourists bring you economic benefits, maybe there will be some cultural or other conflicts - maybe cultural shock. Then it becomes our social responsibility for the media from both countries. So you, and our Xinhua News Agency, we should show the social responsibility to enhance the understanding between our two peoples. And we should take responsibility to try to eliminate and even to root out any mistrust or misunderstanding between us,” said Wen.

Speaking at the seminar, President of Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) Ahmed Zahir (Hiriga) said that the purpose of the seminar was to identify areas of bilateral cooperation between Chinese and Maldivian media.

“We hope our media can benefit from technical expertise from China, as in the usage of technology for communication and information. We on our part will provide whatever assistance possible, to the best of our abilities,” said Zahir.

The seminar was organised by Xinhua News Agency, Embassy of China in the Maldives, and MJA. It was also attended by Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Fukang, and Maldivian and Chinese journalists.