IFJ Agrees on Focused Dialogue with Journalists' Leaders in China

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today held discussions with a delegation of journalists' leaders in China who visited its headquarters in Brussels. The delegation was led by Zhu Shouchen, the Executive Secretary of All-China Journalists Association (ACJA).

Other members of the delegation were: Kang Julin ( Deputy Secretary General of Economic Daily), Shen Hairong ( Deputy Director of the Current News Department of the Liberation Army Daily), Li Zizhuang (editor of Study Publishing House), Sun Zhengyi (Deputy Director of the Domestic Affairs Department of All-China Journalists Association), Liang Xihong ( Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Culture Journal), Wu Zhenbiao (Vice President of Shanghai Journalists Association), Zhong Yechang ( Editor-in-Chief of Hainan Daily Press Group), Huang Zhucheng (President of Guangxi TV station) Fan Sancheng ( Member of Editors' Committee of Beijing Daily), Zeng Chongming ( Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Xishuangbanna Journal in Yunnan Province) and Wang Juyi ( Deputy Director of the International Liaison Department of All-China Journalists Association).

"Your visit to the IFJ gives us an opportunity to continue the dialogue and learn from each other," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President who received the delegation. "Dialogue is a process and our door will always be open to you. The IFJ is committed to frank and open exchange of views."

The visiting delegation heard presentations from staff members on the work of the IFJ including projects, communications, campaigns and human rights as well as its activities related to gender equality in journalism. The IFJ also raised the issue of jailed journalists in China with the delegation and invited proposals for moving the dialogue forward in a more focused way.

Shouchen briefed the IFJ on the mandate and role of the ACJA as well as on media regulations concerning journalists from Makau and Hong Kong. He called for strengthening relations with the IFJ through consultation on IFJ China-related publications and regular visits to avoid misunderstandings and ensure accurate reporting.

"The ACJA is willing to participate in IFJ activities and to liaise with the Hong Kong Office," he added.

The two parties agreed to exchange ideas for implementing the resolutions from the IFJ visit to China in 2008, including the joint forum for discussion and to move to detailed discussions during future meetings.

For more information contact the IFJ at   +32 2 235 2207       

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide