Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) recently hosted a symposium and exchange meeting, bringing together Latin American journalists and Chinese Spanish-language scholars.

Participants of the event pose for a group photo. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Fifteen journalists from 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries, Spanish-language scholars from Beijing-based universities, and young scholars of overseas China studies convened around the theme of "language and communication", addressing gaps in mutual understanding between China and Latin America and exploring pathways for strengthened cooperation.

At the event, Chang Fuliang, secretary of the CPC BFSU Department of Hispanic and Portuguese Committee, provided a brief overview of the university and the department.

He noted that BFSU attaches great importance to the study of world China studies and area studies, and has been continuously strengthening the cultivation of multilingual, interdisciplinary talent in Spanish, Portuguese, and other languages to contribute to international communication and global governance. Chang expressed hope that the exchange would serve as a platform for in-depth dialogue between Latin American journalists and Chinese scholars, fostering closer collaboration in knowledge production and public communication between China and Latin America.

During the roundtable discussion, participants explored two themes: "China through the Latin American lens: knowledge production and public communication" and "Latin American media's China narrative and China-Latin America civilization exchange".

Latin American journalists noted that with the Belt and Road Initiative taking root in the region and Chinese government scholarship programs continuing to expand, interest has surged across Latin American society in China's modernization path, traditional philosophical thought, and the nation's development experience and governance achievements. They expressed the hope of using language and media as bridges to present a credible, endearing, and respectable image of China to their audiences.

Chinese scholars emphasized that both sides should uphold the principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences, fully tapping into the broad consensus between China and Latin America in development strategies. They called for deepening exchange and mutual learning on the basis of respecting cultural diversity, and leveraging academic research and localized communication to translate the fruitful outcomes of China-Latin America cooperation into a driving force for consolidating mutual trust and enhancing people-to-people connectivity.

Prior to the symposium, participants visited the BFSU World Language Museum and spoke highly of the university's contributions to advancing the spread of world languages and cultures.