Laotian Journalists Learn Global South Perspectives and Development Journalism in China

Young Laotian journalists participated in an international media training program held in Beijing and Hainan Province, China, deepening their understanding of Global South perspectives and development journalism. The program aimed to convey development truths and amplify the voices of the Global South to the international community. The training focused on key pillars of Chinese modernization, including high-quality development, digital transformation, and green innovation. Through engagement with experts and industry leaders, participants learned about efforts to improve energy efficiency and support sustainable development using AI. A visit to observe the outcomes of rural revitalization in Hainan Province highlighted how industrial development and tourism have transformed local economies and residents' livelihoods. The inspection of the Hainan Free Trade Port showcased China's commitment to high-standard opening-up and international cooperation. Laotian journalists who attended felt that this training provided them with a foundation for more informed and balanced reporting on development. Building a network with international media professionals is also expected to contribute to improving the quality of development reporting in Laos. The program emphasized the increasing responsibility of the next generation of journalists in promoting mutual understanding and sustainable development. In one-party states like Laos, reporting on domestic development and socio-economic issues can often be intertwined with government propaganda. However, such international training can serve as an impetus for journalists to engage in reporting based on diverse perspectives and objective facts. For Laos, which has close ties with China, a deeper understanding of China's development model and the Global Development Initiative (GDI) could enable a more multifaceted and constructive approach to reporting on bilateral relations. Meanwhile, Laos's economy remains heavily reliant on external debt and infrastructure development, with Chinese investment being a crucial pillar of economic growth. In this context, enhancing development journalism skills is important for accurately conveying the economic challenges Laos faces and the international community's engagement with them.