In a gathering that underscores the growing influence of Chinese media on the global stage, the 5th Overseas Chinese New Media Forum was held on September 20 in Beijing, bringing together over 100 representatives from Chinese media outlets around the world. Hosted by the Overseas Edition of the People's Daily and organized by Haiwainet, the event received strong backing from key organizations, including the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and local Communist Party committees.

Chen Zhi, Editorial Board Member of People's Daily and Editor-in-Chief of the Overseas Edition, delivered a keynote address

The Executive Director of MCG International Media Center attended the conference

The Executive Director of MCG International Media Center was invited to attend the forum and shared insights with attendees on the crucial role of Chinese media in international communication. Since its inception in 2015, the Overseas Chinese New Media Forum has aimed to revolutionize how Chinese stories are shared globally, facilitating dialogue and understanding between Chinese and foreign audiences.

Representatives from over 100 Chinese media outlets across five continents gathered in Beijing

A standout moment of the forum was the exclusive preview of the documentary trailer for "Tan Kah Kee," a collaborative effort between the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and Haiwainet. Set to be fully released on October 21, the documentary reflects on the life of the revered patriotic leader, Mr. Tan Kah Kee, and aims to motivate overseas Chinese communities to engage in the journey toward Chinese-style modernization. The trailer received an enthusiastic reception from attendees.

Haiwainet released the "2024 Report on Innovative Development of Overseas Chinese New Media"

Chinese media has emerged as a vital platform for over 60 million overseas Chinese, playing an essential role in mobilizing their contributions and fostering innovative development in communication strategies. During the forum, Haiwainet presented the "2024 Report on Innovative Development of Overseas Chinese New Media," which outlines emerging trends and characteristics within the sector, offering crucial insights for the evolution of overseas Chinese media.

Attending guests conducted on-site interviews at Mount Huang in Anhui

According to the report, the functional focus of overseas Chinese new media is transitioning from traditional content creation to a more integrated and diversified approach. Since 2019, the reach of these media outlets has surged, with the number of followers on both domestic and international platforms doubling. Notably, the "Z generation" has become the dominant audience for Chinese new media, with short videos emerging as a key medium for engaging overseas audiences.

The representative from MCG International Media Center was interviewed by the media

Forum attendees unanimously agreed on the importance of adapting to rapid changes in technology and media consumption. They highlighted the need to harness advancements such as artificial intelligence and explore innovative formats like short videos to enhance communication effectiveness and share compelling Chinese stories. Additionally, the event included field interviews in Weifang, Shandong, and Mount Huang, Anhui, allowing participants to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and deepen their appreciation of the country’s rich heritage.