Media center welcomes thousands of journalists

The media center for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation went into trial operation in Beijing on Monday, providing services for more than 3,000 journalists from around the world.

The three-day summit, which will run from Wednesday to Friday, brings together leaders and representatives from China and African nations to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Zhao Shuang, who oversaw the media center's design, said the team drew inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture and gardens, incorporating these elements with African motifs such as images of wild animals and Mount Kilimanjaro's ice cap to symbolize the friendship and connection between China and African countries.

"We wanted to highlight cultural elements that resonate with people, which is why our design blends traditional and modern aspects," Zhao said.

"It took us a month and a half to develop and finalize the design."

The media center also emphasizes futuristic and technological features, including a humanoid robot that assists journalists and staff members with inquiries.

Volunteers provide language services including Chinese, English and French for international journalists.

Ma Wenbo, a postgraduate student at Beijing International Studies University, was reassigned to the media center on Monday after serving as a volunteer at a hotel designated for journalists.

Ma began his volunteer work for the summit on Saturday.

"All those international journalists I've met are well-educated and kind. I've helped several journalists from Malawi with transport and equipment issues, and they've treated me like a friend ever since, which has been very touching," Ma said.

Journalists from other countries have also praised the media center, complimenting its design, convenience and security measures.

Abubakar Harith Bakar, a journalist from Tanzania on his third visit to China, said the media center is well-organized.

"The forum is crucial as it provides a platform for China and African countries to discuss the best ways to cooperate," Bakar said.

"I am particularly interested in cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence, as the world is changing rapidly, and I hope Africa can seize these development opportunities."

Motheba Augustina Tsunyane, a journalist from Lesotho, is covering the major event in China for the first time and was impressed by the media center's operations.

"People here have been very welcoming, and the Wi-Fi and other services are very convenient," Tsunyane said.