Abstract

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In an age prompted by accelerated technological innovation, the power of the Internet and global communication has significant bearing on a country’s ability to compete for global influence. The heightened focus on media diplomacy between China and Africa has emerged as a challenge to what has been considered a Western-dominated international media system. The Forum on China-Africa Media Co-operation has put into action new models for engagement and developed media institutions in order to further the influence of developing countries. The Forum has also made a call for alternative views in the media, which has strengthened solidarity among developing countries to tell their stories and promote cross-cultural exchanges. This commentary asks: will the Forum on China-Media Co-operation provide a more promising approach for mutual development?