During a recent event held in Kathmandu, Li Chengyi, a prominent figure in Chinese communications and former director of the Xijiang Daily International Communication Center, proposed a joint media program between Nepal and China. He suggested broadcasting collaborative content that spans from the heights of Mount Everest to the scenic Phewa Lake, symbolizing the shared cultural and geographical connections between the two nations.
Emphasizing Media’s Role in Bilateral Exchange and Learning
The proposal was made at a program focused on the importance of media in mutual exchange and learning between Nepal and China. The event highlighted the significance of media in enhancing understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
Li Chengyi highlighted the vast potential of such joint media initiatives to bring the two countries closer, particularly through collaborative broadcasting and content sharing. His vision extends beyond traditional news to include cultural, social, and educational content that resonates with audiences in both Nepal and China.
Calls for Collaboration in Social Media and Mass Communication
Chan Sun, Director of the Department of Journalism and Communication at China’s University of Electronics, Science and Technology, also spoke at the event. She emphasized the necessity of cooperative efforts between Nepal and China in the field of social media and mass communication.
According to Chan Sun, both countries should collaborate on platforms that publish and broadcast content in both Nepali and Chinese languages. She stressed the importance of joint ventures in social media and public communication channels that would foster a deeper cultural dialogue and information exchange between the two peoples.
“Establishing China-Nepal content studios, cultural dialogue centers, and media units within universities is an opportunity to further strengthen this cooperation,” Chan Sun stated. She also highlighted the critical role of training new journalists with advanced technical skills to produce quality content that benefits both nations.
Marking 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations with Media Cooperation
The event was organized to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China. Several leading figures from the Chinese media sector emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation, exchange, and joint ventures between Nepalese and Chinese media organizations.
Speakers at the program noted that media collaboration should not merely focus on narrating the stories of the two countries but should also highlight their potential and future opportunities. This approach, they said, would contribute to a stronger partnership and mutual development.
Nepalese Media Leaders Advocate for Strengthened Ties
On the Nepalese side, notable media and communication leaders voiced their support for greater collaboration. Nirmala Sharma, President of the Nepal Journalists Association, Kishor Shrestha, President of the Nepal-China Media Forum, and Gagan Bista, member of the National Information Commission, all underscored the critical role of media in strengthening communication and showcasing the vast potential of Nepal-China relations.
They collectively agreed that media serves as an indispensable bridge that can enhance not only bilateral understanding but also economic, cultural, and social cooperation between the two nations.
Future Prospects: Building Sustainable Media Partnerships
The consensus among participants was clear: sustainable and institutionalized media partnerships are essential to deepening Nepal-China ties. By creating joint media content, exchanging journalistic expertise, and developing educational platforms for media professionals, both countries stand to gain from increased knowledge sharing and public diplomacy.
This cooperation is expected to extend to various formats, including documentaries, news programs, cultural shows, and digital content shared on social media platforms, reaching wider audiences and fostering people-to-people connections.
The proposal by Li Chengyi and the discussions held during the commemorative event underscore a growing recognition of media’s strategic role in international relations. With diplomatic ties between Nepal and China entering their 70th year, collaborative media initiatives can act as powerful tools to promote understanding, share cultural heritage, and build a shared vision for the future.
Both Nepalese and Chinese media leaders have expressed optimism that these joint efforts will pave the way for stronger cooperation, benefiting not only the media sectors but also the broader societies of the two neighboring countries.
