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China·South Asia 20

“China’s modernization benefits all people in

the region”

“中国式现代化惠及区域发展”

By Shamim Abdullah Zahedy (Bangladesh) □ 沙明·阿布杜拉·扎赫迪 / 文（孟加拉国）

As a media professional, my visits to group of media professionals, showcas- standing among countries in the region. coexist and thrive through cooperation. As
China have provided valuable insights into ing China’s willingness to engage with its In terms of China’s recent develop- a journalist, I believe that the media has a
the country’s efforts to strengthen regional neighbors through knowledge-sharing and ment, the country has significantly opened crucial role in furthering these ties. Content
cooperation, particularly through the media. cooperation in media technology. It became up, positioning itself as a key player in exchanges and media partnerships can help
I had the privilege of visiting China twice, clear that China was using such platforms to the global economy. The BRI is a prime strengthen the people-to-people relation-
first in 2016 and again in 2024, and both build relationships beyond trade and diplo- example of how China facilitates interna- ships that underpin the diplomatic ties be-
experiences were eye-opening regarding macy, fostering cultural and media ties as a tional cooperation through infrastructure tween China and Bangladesh.
China’s role in fostering development and foundation for future collaborations. and connectivity. This initiative compris- Looking ahead, I see vast opportunities
dialogue with its neighbors. In September 2024, I visited Kunming, es a series of concrete projects that meet for collaboration in the media industry,
My first visit to China took place in Yunnan, representing Independent Televi- the specific needs of countries along the especially with the advent of technologies
October 2016, when I attended a 10-day sion, one of the leading 24-hour news-based route. For Bangladesh, the BRI holds driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By
workshop on the picturesque campus channels in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I partici- immense potential, especially in terms embracing new technologies like artificial
th
of the Communication University of pated in the 5 Lancang-Mekong Audio- of infrastructure development, which is intelligence, data analysis, and 3D printing,
China in Beijing. The workshop focused visual Week, an event aimed at enhancing crucial for its economic growth. China, both China and Bangladesh can modernize
on new media, TV, and broadcasting cooperation between China and South and now Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, their media landscapes and reach wider au-
technology and was organized by the Southeast Asian nations in broadcasting, primarily supplies capital machinery and diences. This will enable deeper cooperation
China-ASEAN Centre. Although Bang- television, and online media. raw materials to Bangladesh. in online broadcasting and virtual media
ladesh is not a part of ASEAN, we re- This visit deepened my understanding of What is particularly commendable platforms, opening new avenues for cultural
ceived a special invitation through the China’s strategic approach to building re- about China’s foreign policy is its prin- and professional exchanges.
Yunnan Daily Press Group, based in gional cooperation through media and cul- ciple of non-interference in the domestic Regarding China’s future development,
Kunming. At the time, I was serving as tural exchanges. These interactions, though affairs of other countries. This stance particularly in the context of the BRI, I am
the executive editor of The Independent, less formal than state-level engagements, is expected to strengthen trust between optimistic. The initiative is like a sympho-
the now-defunct English daily in Bang- serve as important steps towards larger col- China and South Asian nations, including ny, with each participating country playing
ladesh, which had a content-sharing laborations between countries. Bangladesh. This respect for sovereignty its part. The infrastructure initiative offers
partnership with Yunnan Daily. Jour- One of the notable observations from fosters long-term cooperation, and future tangible benefits for countries like Bangla-
nalists and media professionals from these visits is China’s consistent effort to collaborations between China and other desh. Through infrastructure and connec-
ASEAN countries, such as Myanmar, bring its neighbors closer through mutually nations should focus on benefiting all tivity projects, the BRI is bound to improve
Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, beneficial initiatives. China not only focuses peoples in the region. livelihoods and create new opportunities for
and Thailand, attended, along with a on infrastructure projects like those under The friendship between China and growth.
delegate from Nepal, which is also a the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but also Bangladesh is based on mutual respect and (The author Shamim Abdullah Zahedy is
non-ASEAN country. emphasizes softer platforms such as work- shared interests. This relationship, built by the associate editor of Independent Televi-
The workshop provided an excellent shops, training, and professional exchanges. the leaders of both nations over the decades, sion, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He can be reached
platform for interaction among a diverse These initiatives help build trust and under- serves as an example of how countries can at szahedy@yahoo.com.)