Experts call for better communication of CPC history to the world
A global symposium in Shanghai underscored the need for twoway communication in explaining the story of the Communist Party of China to the international community.
Experts in Party history and international relations emphasized the importance of understanding global audiences while effectively framing the Party’s narrative for the modern world.
“The effort requires both a clearer grasp of international interest in China and the CPC, and a more effective rendering of the Party’s story in sync with the times,” said Jiang Feng, Party secretary of Shanghai International Studies University, at the symposium co-organized by the university and the Memorial for the Site of the First National Congress of the CPC.
Jiang stressed the value of tailoring communication to audience interests for efficient engagement. He also championed building a strong narrative that resonates with the international community.
He cited China’s recent concepts like “the Chinese path to modernization” and “building a community with a shared future for mankind” as examples of integrating Chinese wisdom with universal values to be heard on the global stage.
Professor Zheng Guoyu from SISU’s School of Marxism Studies noted historical instances of international fascination with China and the CPC, particularly during the tumultuous events of the 1920s and 1940s. She highlighted works like Edgar Snow’s novel Red Star over China as examples of early foreign engagement with the Party’s narrative.
Zheng drew parallels between past interest and today’s interconnected world, suggesting these historical materials offer valuable insights into effectively sharing the Party’s story with a globally interconnected audience.
Gafar Karar Ahmed Karar, a professor at SISU’s China-Arab Research Center on Reform and Development, pointed to the CPC’s success in eradicating poverty and its Belt and Road Initiative as examples of concrete experiences and initiatives impacting the international community. He argued that a deeper understanding of the CPC’s early years could help explain these recent endeavors.
Xue Feng, Party secretary and director of the Memorial for the Site of the First National Congress of the CPC, highlighted the institution’s efforts in fostering international exchanges and crosscultural communication. He mentioned initiatives such as multi-lingual guided tours and foreign language narration services aimed at enhancing visitor engagement from diverse backgrounds.