BY BUDDHA LOPCHAN
Deputy Secretary-General of Press Centre Nepal, Nepal
As a journalist from Nepal, I have long been interested in understanding how nations transform themselves through effective governance, long-term planning, and international cooperation. Over the years, I have followed China’s remarkable development through books, academic studies, international news reports, documentaries, and discussions among scholars and policymakers. Although I have not yet had the opportunity to experience China firsthand, what I have learned so far has created a strong desire to observe its achievements, governance practices, and development model in person.
My participation in the 2026 Belt and Road Journalists Forum and the inaugural Global South Journalists Workshop represents an important opportunity to deepen my understanding of China beyond what can be learned from publications and media reports. I hope this visit will allow me to engage directly with Chinese journalists, academics, officials, and local communities while observing the country’s social and economic transformation from a closer perspective.
China’s development over the past several decades has become one of the most widely discussed subjects in international affairs. Few countries have experienced such rapid economic growth while simultaneously investing heavily in infrastructure, education, technological innovation, industrial modernization, and poverty reduction. These achievements have attracted the attention of governments, researchers, development practitioners, and journalists around the world.
For developing countries like Nepal, China’s experience offers valuable lessons worth studying. Every nation follows its own path of development according to its history, culture, institutions, and priorities. Nevertheless, examining successful experiences from other countries can help generate ideas and inspire new approaches to addressing common development challenges. From this perspective, China’s development journey deserves careful observation rather than simplistic conclusions.
One of the aspects of China that has impressed me most through my reading is its emphasis on long-term planning. Large-scale infrastructure projects, efficient transportation networks, high-speed rail systems, modern airports, industrial parks, and digital connectivity demonstrate how sustained investment can transform both urban and rural economies. Infrastructure is not merely about roads and bridges; it creates opportunities for trade, tourism, education, healthcare, and employment. It also strengthens national integration and regional connectivity.
China’s progress in human development has also attracted global attention. According to international organizations, hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of extreme poverty over recent decades. Improvements in healthcare, education, housing, and public services have significantly enhanced living standards for many citizens. While every country continues to face its own social and economic challenges, China’s progress in improving the lives of a large population has become an important subject of international study.
Technology and innovation represent another dimension of China’s transformation. The country has become a global leader in areas such as digital commerce, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, telecommunications, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. As digital technologies continue to reshape economies and societies worldwide, China’s experience raises important questions about how innovation can contribute to sustainable development while addressing emerging challenges related to regulation, ethics, cybersecurity, and inclusion.
As journalists, we have a responsibility to examine such developments with curiosity, balance, and evidence. Journalism should neither rely on stereotypes nor accept narratives uncritically. Instead, it should seek to understand complexity through observation, dialogue, and factual reporting. That is one of the reasons I value opportunities like the Belt and Road Journalists Forum. Bringing together media professionals from different countries allows participants to exchange perspectives, ask difficult questions, and build a more informed understanding of global developments.
The concept of global governance has become increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. Climate change, public health emergencies, food security, migration, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cyber threats, and economic uncertainty are challenges that extend beyond national borders. No country can address these issues alone. Effective global governance requires dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, and a willingness to work together despite political and cultural differences.
China has become an increasingly influential participant in international discussions on development and global governance. Through its engagement with multilateral institutions and international development initiatives, it has sought to contribute to conversations on economic cooperation, infrastructure, connectivity, and sustainable growth. As these initiatives continue to evolve, they naturally generate both support and debate. For journalists, this makes careful observation and evidence-based reporting especially important.
Among China’s international initiatives, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become one of the most significant. Since its launch, it has encouraged infrastructure investment, transportation connectivity, trade cooperation, and people ‑to ‑ people exchanges across many regions. The initiative has received considerable attention from governments, businesses, researchers, and media organizations around the world.
For Nepal, the Belt and Road Initiative carries particular significance because of our geographic proximity to China and our aspirations for greater regional connectivity. As a landlocked country situated between two major economies, Nepal recognizes the importance of improving transportation networks, expanding trade opportunities, strengthening energy cooperation, and promoting tourism. Infrastructure development has the potential to support economic growth, create employment, and improve access to essential services.
At the same time, every development initiative should be considered in light of national priorities, transparency, sustainability, and the long ‑term interests of participating countries. Constructive dialogue and careful planning help ensure that international cooperation delivers lasting benefits for local communities. As a journalist, I believe it is important to report on both opportunities and challenges with fairness and professionalism.
Nepal and China have enjoyed a long history of friendly relations based on mutual respect and geographical proximity. Beyond government-to-government cooperation, there are growing exchanges in education, tourism, culture, business, and media. Strengthening people ‑to ‑ people understanding remains an essential foundation for sustainable bilateral relations. Journalists have an important role in building this understanding by presenting accurate, balanced, and contextual reporting.
Media cooperation between countries has become increasingly valuable in an era of rapid information flows. Digital platforms have made it possible for information to spread across the world within seconds. However, the same technologies have also contributed to misinformation, disinformation, and polarized public debate. In such an environment, professional journalism becomes more important than ever. International forums that encourage dialogue among journalists help strengthen ethical standards, improve fact- checking practices, and promote responsible reporting.
The Global South Journalists Workshop is therefore particularly meaningful. Many developing countries face similar concerns regarding economic development, climate resilience, digital transformation, youth employment, education, and public governance. Sharing experiences among journalists covering these issues can enrich reporting and encourage more nuanced international perspectives. Learning from one another contributes not only to better journalism but also to stronger international understanding.
As I prepare to visit China, I hope to observe more than its famous landmarks and modern cities . I look forward to learning about local governance, community development, environmental protection, cultural preservation, media innovation, and public services. I also hope to understand how development policies are experienced by ordinary people in different regions of the country. Conversations with local journalists, scholars, and citizens will be invaluable in shaping a more complete understanding than any book or report can provide.
I also expect this visit to broaden my understanding of how Chinese media organizations are adapting to technological change. Around the world, journalism is undergoing rapid transformation as artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and changing audience habits reshape news production and distribution. Learning how Chinese media professionals respond to these developments could provide valuable insights that may also be relevant to Nepal and other developing countries.
One of the greatest strengths of journalism is its ability to create bridges between societies. When journalists travel, listen, observe, and engage respectfully with different cultures, they help reduce misunderstanding and encourage informed dialogue. International exchanges remind us that despite differences in language, political systems, and traditions, people across the world share many common aspirations: peace, opportunity, dignity, education, prosperity, and a better future for the next generation.
These are my first impressions of China—formed through study, observation from afar, and a genuine desire to learn. They are not final conclusions. Rather, they represent the starting point of a journey that I hope will be enriched through firsthand experience during the Belt and Road Journalists Forum. I approach this opportunity with curiosity, openness, and professional responsibility.
Upon returning to Nepal, I intend to share what I learn with my readers and audiences through balanced, evidence-based journalism. I hope my reporting will contribute to a deeper understanding of China, the evolving discussions on global governance, and the importance of constructive international cooperation. By presenting observations grounded in direct experience, I aspire to encourage thoughtful public dialogue rather than simplistic assumptions.
Ultimately, I believe that genuine understanding grows through engagement rather than distance. Visiting China, interacting with fellow journalists from across the Global South, and observing development on the ground will undoubtedly broaden my perspective. I look forward to learning, asking questions, exchanging ideas, and bringing home insights that will strengthen my work as a journalist and contribute, in a small but meaningful way, to greater understanding between Nepal, China, and the wider international community.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.