2 days ago
Solomon Islands Media Professionals Gain Insightful Experience Of China's Media, Culture, And Mesmeric Growth
Four media professionals from the Solomon Islands (SI) successfully completed a two-week seminar on Full-Media Communication for 'Belt and Road Countries' in China, describing the training program as an eye-opener as cooperation between the two countries further deepened.
Organized by the Research and Training Institute of the National Radio and Television Administration (RTI of NRTA), the seminar ran from June 6th to 19th, 2025.
Participants included 30 media professionals from national broadcasting and television authorities, mainstream media organizations, and influential private media institutions in Belt and Road Initiative countries, including Bulgaria, Grenada, Hungary, Mongolia, Mozambique, Palestine, Romania, South Sudan, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands. Most participants were Directors, Managers, Editors, and Senior Journalists.
Representing the Solomon Islands are:
Frederick Osifelo, Manager of the Television Services of Solomon Telekom Company Limited (STCL)
Stephen Hachi, Producer & Technical Director of NIU Solomons
Karl Tokuro Vaekesa, CEO, Producer & Director of Studiohomegrown Productions Company, Solomon Islands
Stephen Diisango, Director of Communication & Public Relations, Ministry of Rural Development, Solomon Islands Government
The program was another testament to the Chinese government's ongoing commitment to promoting communication and mutual understanding between China and the Solomon Islands, as well as providing more support for sustainable development in the Solomon Islands.
The trip was a success, providing participants with the opportunity to learn about, appreciate, and experience China's rich history, culture, and traditions. It also helped them understand China's media landscape, functions, and how media plays a critical role in the country's governance.
Sharing their experiences, the Solomon Islands delegates said that the trip was an eye-opener and an experience of a lifetime.
'The program was more than just a trip — it was a testament to firm collaboration, shared learning, mutual understanding, and reverence.
'China's infrastructure development, agriculture, technology, and manufacturing sectors are remarkable. Likewise, China's success in lifting millions out of poverty is a momentous triumph and offers valuable lessons for other developing countries, including the Solomon Islands,' they said.
Despite ongoing Western narratives and negative portrayals of China in the public domain, participants stated that their perceptions of China have now completely changed. They vowed to promote truthful information about China's reality to family members and citizens of the Solomon Islands.
'This trip to China is an experience of a lifetime. We have learned a lot and built new connections with participants and friends from around the world. Our country, Solomon Islands, has a lot to learn from China, as do the rest of the world. We believe China has much to offer globally.
'Chinese people are among the kindest and most loyal you can find anywhere. They are hardworking, polite, and respectful,' the SI participants attested.
They further noted that China's firm commitment to working alongside Pacific countries, including the Solomon Islands, in areas such as infrastructure, telecommunications, education, agriculture, environment, and health cooperation is impressive.
The program also provided an opportunity for delegates to visit some of China's leading media organizations, historical sites, and heritage sites in Beijing and Yunnan Province to witness China's rapid development over the years.
In Beijing, the delegates visited omnimedia institutions such as China Media Group Mobile, Kuaishou Technology, and iQIYI, engaging with omnimedia creators to gain insights into the integration and transformation of China's mainstream media, as well as concepts of omnimedia communication and operation.
They also travelled to Yunnan Province, visiting Yunnan Media Group, Kunming Broadcasting and Television Company, China Radio and Television Yunnan Network Co., Ltd., Kunming Media Convergence Center, Yunnan's key laboratory of Artificial Intelligence (Kunming University of Science & Technology), Yunnan Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shilin One County, One Industry Ginseng Fruit Industrial Base & Xinglin Grand Garden.
On the cultural front, participants took the opportunity to visit Chinese landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, Yunnan Nationalities/Ethnic Village, and Shilin Global Geopark Scenic County, exploring China's rich historical and cultural heritage.
The Solomon Islands delegates expressed profound gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands, the Solomon Islands Government, and the organizing committee of RTI of NRTA for the opportunity to participate in the seminar.
Since the formalization of diplomatic relations between China and the Solomon Islands in 2019, China has consistently shared advanced technology, management experience, and development concepts aligned with the Solomon Islands' development strategies and needs, helping to cultivate specialized talents.
In the first six months of 2025, over 300 Solomon Islands officials and professionals benefited from capacity-building programs in China across various fields such as agriculture, infrastructure, communication, education, health, media, and climate change.
These efforts have contributed to promoting the economic and social development of the Solomon Islands, fostering governance exchange, knowledge sharing, skills development, people-to-people relationships, and laying a solid foundation for long-term cooperation and mutual growth.
The seminar was funded by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) of the People's Republic of China.
