CICG president meets with Europe-Asia Center Co-chair Erik Solheim

Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), met with Erik Solheim, co-chair of the Europe-Asia Center, and his delegation in Beijing on Oct. 21. The two sides discussed strengthening cooperation in international communication, research, and cultural exchange, with a focus on sharing China's stories with audiences across Europe and Asia.

Chang Bo (5th R), president of China International Communications Group (CICG), meets with a delegation led by Erik Solheim (5th L), co-chair of the Europe-Asia Center, in Beijing, Oct. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Chang and Solheim recalled collaboration more than a decade ago in promoting China's Saihanba afforestation experience internationally. Situated north of Beijing, Saihanba has been transformed from degraded land into a vast forest through more than six decades of afforestation efforts, helping shield the capital from windblown sand. Saihanba afforestation community won the United Nations' Champions of the Earth award in 2017 for its achievements in ecological restoration. 

Chang expressed appreciation for Solheim's and the center's efforts to promote international understanding of China's development. He proposed expanding cooperation with the Europe-Asia Center in introducing Chinese publications to European audiences, conducting joint research through European think tank networks, developing international communication initiatives and overseas platforms, and facilitating people-to-people exchanges, particularly among young people.

Solheim proposed establishing a regular cooperation mechanism between the Europe-Asia Center and CICG. He said the center would like to introduce Chinese modernization and its underlying philosophy of ecological development to European audiences and promote closer cultural exchanges between China and Europe.

Representatives of China International Communications Group (CICG) and the Europe-Asia Center hold talks in Beijing, Oct. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

The two sides also exchanged views on China-EU relations and international affairs. Representatives from relevant CICG departments and subsidiary institutions attended the meeting.