Rise of COVID cases in China deferred foreign journalists programme closing ceremony
The rising COVID-19 cases in Beijing, China had affected the closing ceremony of foreign journalists.
More than 90 journalists from 60 countries from around the world had attended the 2022 China International Press Communication Centre CIPCC for a six month programme.
The programme started in June and ended in November.
It was organised by the China Public Diplomacy.
Journalists had the opportunity to learn about the China’s diplomacy, culture and developments.
At the end of the programme, the closing ceremony was scheduled for November 20, but was cancelled due to the rising member of COVID-19 cases in Beijing.
Directors and administrators of the programme decided to schedule an online zoom meeting closing ceremony on November 25.
It was an emotional meeting for the staff of CIPPC as well as the journalists as the pandemic had yet again hindered them from celebrating as well as farewelling each other in person.
The Assistant Foreign Minister, Hua Chunying cheered up the journalists and said that their farewell is a new beginning of a new journey.
“I hope that you will continue to be the one with objectives eyes to observe China, the one with truthful voice to talk about China and the one with the strong will to promote friendship and co-operation with China.
“Use your hand to tell the world truthfully what you see, hear and think and discover about China.”
A journalist from Africa, Joana Broanco, said that the CIPPC programme has allowed her to witness the openness of China’s economy and its big markets.
“I also had the opportunity to explore the richness of their traditions and culture and the spirit of the Communist Party of China,” she said.
A journalist from Indonesia, Luki Aulia, said despite the strict COVID-19 policy measure in China, she felt protected and safe.
“It may be a sad moment for us journalist not to farewell each other in person and celebrate each other’s achievements and friendship, but we truthfully have a remarkable bond for each other.
“The increasing number of COVID cases may have affected our closing ceremony, but we are glad that we are protected and safe to travel back to our home country.
“We also realised that none of the journalists had contacted COVID-19 here in China.”
The director of the programme, Yu Lei said the programme this year was the most significant and challenging one because journalists had to endure the COVID-19 situation in China and still commit to explore and reveal more about the real China.”