AKP Beijing, September 8, 2026 -- The China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) officially launched its second-half 2026 programme on Sept. 4 at Renmin University of China (RUC) in Beijing, bringing together more than 100 journalists and social media influencers from around 90 countries.

Among the participants is Mr. Sim Mongkul, a Cambodian journalist, whose participation contributes to strengthening information and media exchanges between Cambodia and China.

Established by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) under the guidance of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the programme aims to strengthen media cooperation among Global South countries and emerging markets while providing international journalists with opportunities to gain firsthand knowledge of China.

Hosted by RUC, one of China’s leading journalism institutions, the programme brings together participants from Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eurasia, Arab States, and Central and Eastern Europe.

CIPCC Director Mr. Yu Lei said the programme focuses on helping international journalists present a more direct understanding of China while supporting the development goals of participating countries. Participants are organised into six regional press centres, including the China-Asia Pacific centre in which Mr. Sim Mongkul participates.

The three-and-a-half-month programme combines academic training and practical experience, including journalism seminars and lectures on China’s diplomacy, economy and technology. Participants will also undertake internships with major Chinese media organisations, including CGTN, Xinhua News Agency and People’s Daily.

The programme further includes field reporting tours to 23 provinces, providing participants with firsthand exposure to China’s modernisation and development, as well as opportunities to meet policymakers, entrepreneurs and scholars.

CPDA Vice President Mrs. Tong Xiaoling said that over its 12-year history, the programme has hosted nearly 1,000 journalists from more than 140 countries. This year’s programme focuses on “high-quality development,” a key concept in the context of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

Beyond journalism and professional training, participants will experience Chinese culture through calligraphy, painting and tai chi workshops, and visit landmarks including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

Mr. Sim Mongkul expressed his honour at participating in the programme, describing it as a valuable opportunity to observe China’s development, particularly in technology, the economy and culture. He said he would share the knowledge and perspectives gained with the Cambodian public to promote mutual understanding between the peoples of Cambodia and China.

He also highlighted the opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues from nearly 90 countries, describing it as an invaluable experience for his professional career.

The CIPCC 2026 programme is expected to conclude with participants returning to their respective countries with deeper insights into China’s development, policies and evolving global role, while contributing to greater media cooperation and people-to-people understanding between China and participating countries.

AKP