Xinhua Chief urges China–Africa media to shape Global South agenda

By GRACE CHAILE

XINHUA News Agency Editor-in-Chief, Lyu Yansong has called on Chinese and African media, as well as think tanks, to strengthen collaboration and produce high-quality journalism and research that can inform global decision-making and elevate the voice of the Global South.
He made the remarks during the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum: China-Africa Partnership, held in Johannesburg.
Speaking at the forum, Mr Lyu said the world is undergoing “historic shifts” in the balance between East and West and between the Global South and the Global North.
He noted that China and Africa have maintained long-standing cooperation rooted in principles of “sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith.”
“In the face of profound global changes unseen in a century, China has always worked hand in hand with its African brothers and sisters,” he said, adding that the two sides continue to defend the rights and interests of developing nations and share the benefits of economic cooperation.
Mr Lyu highlighted that since the establishment of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 25 years ago, joint projects have delivered concrete results, including the construction or upgrading of nearly 100, 000 kilometres of roads, 10, 000 kilometres of railways, and the creation of more than 1.1 million jobs across Africa. China has also remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.
He urged media institutions to document these developments accurately and comprehensively. “Media and think tanks from China and Africa should fully report on the vivid practices of China and Africa joining hands to advance modernisation,” he said.
Mr Lyu also referenced China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative, saying they offer opportunities to strengthen cooperation in economic development, peacebuilding and cultural exchange.
He emphasised the need for African and Chinese institutions to advocate peaceful solutions to global security challenges and promote mutual learning between civilisations.
He said that media should help strengthen the influence of developing countries in global governance debates by raising a stronger voice for fairness and justice.
Xinhua, Mr Lyu said, has deepened its presence on the continent, expanding to its 31st Africa-based bureau in 2025 and engaging African partners through platforms including the World Media Summit and the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum.
A new think tank report titled Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership was also launched at the event.