Media salon of 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China' held in Yan'an

On July 23, an event titled "From 'Westward Journey' to 'Journey Together' — Dialogue Salon for Chinese and Foreign Media Professionals & Reading Session of 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China' " was held in Yan'an, Shaanxi province. Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), attended and addressed the event. 

Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG) addresses a media salon in Yan'an, Shaanxi province, July 23, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

In his address, Chang noted that Yan'an is a sacred place of the Chinese revolution, where the Yan'an spirit took shape. Ninety years ago, American journalist Edgar Snow braved numerous hardships to travel to Yan'an. Through "Red Star Over China," he presented a true picture of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese revolution to the world. 

Speaking at the event, Chang said that from Edgar Snow's "Westward Journey" to today's "Journey Together" for global media, what remains unchanged for the media professionals is the pursuit of facts and truth, as well as the aspiration for mutual understanding and cooperation.

He pointed out that "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" systematically records the theoretical innovations and practical achievements of the CPC in state governance in the new era. It serves as a key window for the international community to understand the CPC, contemporary China, and Chinese modernization. 

Chang urged media professionals to uphold the spirit of Edgar Snow — seeking facts on the ground, crossing cultural boundaries, and fostering mutual understanding. CICG stands ready to cooperate with media professionals worldwide to pursue objective and inclusive reporting that bridges information divides, advances the common values of humanity, and contributes media strength to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Eric Chipman, executive director of the Helen Foster Snow Foundation in the U.S., delivers a speech via video. [Photo/CICG]

Eric Chipman, executive director of the Helen Foster Snow Foundation in the U.S., said he has long believed that China and the U.S. can move forward hand in hand while preserving their respective cultural identities, and the key lies in sustained communication and mutual understanding. The future of China-U.S. relations calls for more "bridge-builders" capable of transcending cultural barriers, language barriers, and dispelling misunderstanding. 

Ninety years ago, the Snows embarked on their "Westward Journey;" today, Chinese and foreign media professionals are writing a new chapter of the "Journey Together" in a new era through exchanges and dialogue, Chipman said.

Wu Yaowu, president of Xi'an International Studies University, speaks at a media salon in Yan'an, Shaanxi province, July 23, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Wu Yaowu, president of Xi'an International Studies University, said that Edgar Snow's spirit of respecting facts and pursuing truth still carries profound significance 90 years on. In recent years, Xi'an International Studies University has continuously advanced the international communication of the revolutionary culture and relevant multilingual translation work. Going forward, the university will further strengthen international communication cooperation to enable China's stories and China's voice to reach the wider world, Wu said. 

David W. Ferguson, honorary chief English editor of Foreign Languages Press under CICG and a recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, delivers a special speech at a media salon in Yan'an, Shaanxi province, July 23, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

David W. Ferguson, honorary chief English editor of Foreign Languages Press under CICG and a recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, delivered a special speech. Drawing on his experience participating in the English compilation of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" (Volumes I-V), he noted that to understand China's governance system, one must grasp the ideas and practical logic of the CPC within its overall framework. 

Ferguson said that the firm conviction, unity, and hard work embodied in the Long March Spirit, together with the value of serving the people wholeheartedly, continue to exert a profound influence on China's development practices to this day. He called on media professionals to follow the spirit of Edgar Snow and tell more stories of China that foster understanding and mutual trust.

Four projects and publications centered on talent cultivation, theoretical advancement, and international storytelling were launched at the event, supporting efforts to tell compelling stories of the Long March to the world.

During the thematic exchange session, foreign media professionals shared insights based on the development realities of their respective countries. They acknowledged that there is no one-size-fits-all model for modernization. 

Then at a later roundtable discussion, Chinese and foreign guests shared insights gained from reading "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China." They engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including carrying forward the Long March Spirit, Chinese modernization, and how media and cultural exchanges can dispel misunderstandings.

More than 100 participants including 23 media professionals from 11 countries attend a media salon in Yan'an, Shaanxi province, July 23, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Supervised by CICG, the event was co-hosted by the CICG Institute of International Studies and Advanced Training and Xi'an International Studies University. 

More than 100 participants attended the event, including 23 media professionals from 11 countries, as well as experts, scholars, officials, and journalists from mainstream media outlets.