Raphael Oni
Li Zhang, a renowned expert in Public Relations and Strategic Communication from Tsinghua University China said, the traditional media remains the best and credible source for truth in today’s world, where misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and propaganda is on the increase on daily basis.
The Professor disclosed this to Diplomat Extra in an interview after her lecture with a group of journalists from the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC)in the Diplomatic Residence Compound(DRC) in Beijing, China. She emphasized that despite the advent of social media and AI, traditional media still remains a credible source of information. In her words, “we’re living in a world where misinformation and disinformation are rampant. Social media has made it easy for false information to spread like wildfire, and it’s up to us to be more discerning and critical of the information we consume.”
During her lecture, Li revealed that the Chinese government has invested significantly in media relations, with a staggering $6 billion allocated to promote media relations and interests abroad. However, she emphasized that despite these efforts, misinformation and inaccurate reporting about China persist.
Li specifically cited the Western media’s reportage on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an example of biased reporting. “Many Western media outlets have been portraying the BRI in a negative light, calling it China’s ‘Marshall Plan’ or a tool for Chinese expansionism,” Li said. “However, this is a misinterpretation of the initiative’s true purpose. The BRI is a development project aimed at promoting economic cooperation and connectivity among participating countries.”
Li emphasized the importance of credible sources and fact-checking in combating misinformation. She also highlighted the need for more dialogue and collaboration between media organizations and governments to promote accurate and balanced reporting.
As a specialist in public relations and strategic communication, Li has worked extensively with Chinese media organizations and government agencies to promote cultural exchange and understanding between China and other countries. She believes that by fostering greater collaboration and dialogue between nations, we can work towards a more informed and interconnected world.
Li’s passion for promoting truth and accuracy in reporting is evident in her work. She has been instrumental in organizing cultural exchange programs between Chinese and African journalists, including a recent trip to Nigeria.
“In January, I’ll be taking a group of students from Tsinghua University to Nigeria as part of a practical course on international communication,” Li explained. “We’ll be visiting two cities, Abuja and Lagos, and meeting with local media organizations and journalists to learn more about the country and its people.”
Li’s commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and accurate reporting is inspiring, and her work serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking truth and accuracy in a world filled with misinformation.
