Islamabad: Chinese Charge d'Affaires Shi Yuanqiang has emphasized that the media plays a crucial role in strengthening Pakistan-China bilateral relations and promoting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. He was addressing a training workshop titled 'Enhancing the Capacities of Journalists and Social Media Influencers on CPEC Reporting and Media Ethics,' organized for journalists and social media influencers from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to Radio Pakistan, the workshop was held in Islamabad by the Center for Democracy and Climate Studies (CDCS), in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy. Mr. Shi Yuanqiang described China and Pakistan as evergreen strategic partners and iron brothers.

Welcoming the participants, Consular at the Chinese Embassy, Wang Shengjie, said media serves as a bridge in highlighting the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan and in deepening cultural exchanges between the two nations. He added that media plays a vital role in raising awareness about China among the Pakistani public.

Wang Shengjie expressed hope that journalists and online influencers would use their platforms professionally and responsibly, acting as spokespersons for China-related news, interpreters of perceptions, and advocates for fostering positive public opinion about China. In doing so, he said, they would continue to strengthen traditional friendship and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Participants of the workshop appreciated the initiative, acknowledging that such efforts enhance professional skills and promote an accurate narrative about Pakistan-China relations.

Addressing the event, Executive Director CDCS Dr. Furqan Rao reiterated that Pakistan and China enjoy an exemplary friendship as evergreen strategic partners. He stressed that the media should play a constructive role in further strengthening bilateral ties. He said fact-based reporting can provide the Pakistani public with accurate information about CPEC projects.

At the closing ceremony, Chief Guest Mustafa Haider Syed, Executive Director of the Pakistan-China Institute, praised the initiative and underscored the importance of fostering public-level relations between the two countries.

Guest of Honor Shakil Karar, former President of the National Press Club, also commended the program and encouraged young journalists to uphold professional integrity and accurate reporting.

Senior journalists, diplomats, and academicians, including defence analyst Amir Rana, former Ambassador to China Moin ul Haque, senior journalists Sohail Iqbal Bhatti, Humayun Khan, Anas Malik, Amir Ilyas Rana, Javed Iqbal, and Dr. Arif, led sessions on fact-checking, media safety, and strategies to combat misinformation.

Later, certificates were distributed to participants by Chief Guest Mustafa Haider Syed and Guest of Honor Shakil Karar.