Name: Sun Yusheng, Vice President, CCTV

Abstract

More than 2,100 years ago, Zhang Qian, Western Han Dynasty envoy, set out to open the Silk Road linking Europe and Asia. Over 1,300 years ago, during the prosperous age of the Tang Dynasty, China was the most open civilization across the globe. Its capital, Chang'an, was the world's biggest international metropolis, and one tenth of its population was foreigners. Today, as we gather here in Xi'an, China has come to a new stage of opening up. The old Silk Road will thus be injected with new vitality, the four civilizations which added radiance and beauty to one another along the routes will shine again, and the destinies of over 4 billion people will be even more closely connected.

We are lucky to encounter such a great age. As media workers, we should work as effective communicators, faithful recorders, and active promoters and builders of a multinational media community.

1. Build people-to-people empathetic ties

The Belt and Road Initiative is proposed by China, but touches upon the welfare of 60 countries along the routes with a total population of over 4 billion. Therefore all parties are stakeholders. How may this initiative achieve wide acceptance? The media's communication skills depend on whether they can express empathy in their reports for different countries and different civilizations. The media need to build a community with a shared future by understanding the needs of each country or region.

2. From freehand to meticulous brushwork when recording classic stories on the historical scroll

The Belt and Road Initiative is like freehand brushwork that will reshape the international order. After its implementation it will gradually evolve into a meticulous work of calligraphy comprising numerous stories and details. From magnificent freehand to fine meticulous brushwork, the media need to capture and record classic details and moving stories.

3. Find problems and promote history

The Belt and Road development will not be achieved overnight and neither will it be smooth going. Various challenges and problems could well appear during the

process, so it is the media's duty to unveil problems and promote their resolution through a constructive attitude.

4. Build a multinational media community with new technologies

The media should be tech-savvy in reporting on development of the Belt and Road. Advanced cyber technologies, such as big data, and the rise of social media should be well employed in building a new multinational media ecosystem.

The glory of the Silk Road thousands of years ago brings to mind the envoys Zhang Qian, Xuan Zang, and Marco Polo. Today, as the scroll of the Belt and Road unrolls, we will be ready to set out once more.

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