A significant media salon recently convened at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, bringing together approximately 130 representatives from the media and cultural industries of both China and Japan. The primary focus of this gathering was to underscore the critical role that media plays in advancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

The event featured two pivotal panel discussions, each delving into key aspects of bilateral media engagement. The first discussion centered on "The Responsibility of Media in China-Japan Cultural Exchange," while the second explored avenues for "Cooperation in Content and Cultural Industries." Throughout these sessions, media professionals from both countries collectively stressed the imperative of maintaining objectivity, fairness, and rationality, particularly in navigating the complexities of the contemporary media landscape. They advocated for reporting that offers greater diversity, encourages more direct face-to-face interactions, and incorporates on-site interviews to cultivate deeper mutual understanding and ensure an accurate portrayal of the rich diversity within both societies.

Chinese Ambassador to Japan, Wu Jianghao, contributed significantly to the discourse by highlighting the extensive coverage of China within Japanese media, which he noted reflects a strong and sustained interest in China and the broader bilateral relationship. Ambassador Wu emphasized the indispensable role of media in enhancing mutual understanding and urged both sides to actively promote perceptions that are constructive and evolving. He further encouraged deeper engagement in cultural exchange initiatives and a joint exploration of shared values and resources to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between China and Japan.

Echoing these sentiments, Shiro Nakamura, who heads the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association, remarked on the long-standing history of media exchanges between the two countries. He acknowledged their enduring importance in facilitating mutual understanding. Nakamura underscored the escalating responsibilities faced by media professionals in today's intricate information environment, advocating for enhanced communication and mutual respect as fundamental elements to improve and strengthen China-Japan relations moving forward.