Having a Bigger Say (2)

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Editor's Pick

By Ding Zhitao (Beijing Review) 08:18, September 23, 2013

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Some Western media outlets accuse China of ignoring mutually beneficial solutions or sustainable development of African people, whilst robbing the continent of its natural resources. Other calls for how China can resolve Africa's woes include improving areas like trade deficits, environmental protection, social responsibilities of enterprises, financial cooperation, sub-standard products made in China, and the welfare of local workers.

Non-governmental organizations and media outlets indiscriminately quote the Western media's reports on China, either out of lack of understanding or through political bias. Their position on matters may be misleading to the African public, said Li.

Journalists at the forum agreed. "A lot of what we pick from the Western media is prejudice to paint a wrong picture," said Mohammed Bello, Director of News Radio Nigeria, at the forum.

"Nigerians cannot expect Aljazeera or BBC to report on Africa, and indeed Nigeria and China relations, the way we want," said Oloja.

Mutually objective coverage will generate more cooperation and better understanding between China and Nigeria, said Li Xiaohua, a representative from China.org.cn, a leading multi-language website in China.

She pointed out that in sharp contrast to the booming political and economic relationships, media and cultural exchanges between China and Africa are lagging behind.

Attendees agreed the media of the two countries should overcome obstacles in the way of presenting an authentic image of their countries in order to see each other rationally and objectively.

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