Zhou Mingwei: Core of public diplomacy is communication

By Lu Na
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, March 6, 2013
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With the noted economic achievements China has made over the past decades, the nation's further reform and opening up is now stronger related to the international society.

China and other countries can realize co-prosperity and mutual development through public diplomacy, according to Zhou Mingwei, a CPPCC National Committee member and President of China International Publishing Group (CIPG) in an exclusive interview with China.org.cn.

Zhou Mingwei, member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and President of China International Publishing Group (CIPG) [Chen Weisong/China.org.cn] 

"Public diplomacy, in many cases, is either realized by the media or supported by the media. The development of modern media, including online and mobile media, has provided huge space for the development of public diplomacy. Public diplomacy is an extension of international communication, and vice versa," Zhou replied to a question regarding the relation between public diplomacy and international communication, "On the one hand, public diplomacy provides rich and fresh content to new technology-driven international communication. On the other hand, new technology-driven international communication provides ways of dispersion for public diplomacy."

The dispersion of Chinese culture is not only a matter of meeting the demands of the international community to know more about China, but also a process of communication and exchanges with other cultures.

"The core of public diplomacy is the communication between different cultures. One of the missions of the CIPG is to introduce Chinese culture to the world through a variety of forms, including the Internet, mobile media and the traditional print media." As for the question of how the CIPG could play a greater role in public diplomacy, Zhou responded, "The role of cultural exchanges in public diplomacy is irreplaceable. The more acknowledgements we receive, the more solid exchanges and cooperation bases we will be able to share with other countries. "

"As for the CIPG, we have the vitality of the market mechanism as well as publications through new technology, which conform to current audience consuming habits. Besides, one of the most important advantages is our [featured] languages. We have abundant experiences of foreign cultural exchanges. In addition, we have the strong ability to communicate with others through their native languages. Our publications have fixed audiences. These publications have played and will keep playing an important role in international communication." Zhou said.

As for the CIPG's new role in international communication under the new international environment, Zhou highlighted two tasks: Introduce the modern China as well as the classic and traditional culture of China to the world -- of which introducing modern China to the world currently remains the top priority.

"We not only need to introduce the great changes of modern China, but also need to introduce our systems, philosophy and values. It will help foreigners further understand the great changes of China in past decades, as well as understand our culture, system and values' roles in the changes."

"Our traditional and classic culture is one of the most important things to attract the attention of the world as well as sources to help exchanges. We will invest more resources and talents to do this better," Zhou said, "We will cooperate more often with mature overseas carriers and platforms to better introduce modern and traditional China."

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