Non-Western views interact

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) and China's President Xi Jinping attend a documents signing ceremony during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Media exchanges between China and Russia have boomed following a joint announcement made by President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in May that the "year of media exchanges" will be launched in 2016.

The strong relations between China and Russia have laid a solid foundation for smooth exchanges between their media. Following the trend of Sino-Russian relations, a series of activities have been organized, including the holding of the "Year of China" in Russia and the "Year of Russia" in China and other cultural exchange and cooperation programs. The two countries have co-organized a World Media Summit and their mainstream newspapers, broadcasters and news agencies have strengthened high-level exchanges and program cooperation.

Media exchanges have proved an important role in prompting bilateral public diplomacy. Their ever-deepening exchanges and cooperation have enhanced mutual understanding, and their comprehensive, objective and impartial media coverage of the other country has helped put up a bridge for mutual understanding and trust between their peoples.

For a better understanding of Russia, Chinese people need to study the "Russian spirit" and "Russian culture". Russian people also need to look at China from a comprehensive, objective and reasonable perspective and to understand the spirit of the Chinese nation and the "connotations" of the Chinese Dream. Deepened media exchanges and cooperation will build such a bridge.

Given that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the world's victory against fascism, increased media exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia will boost their voices on the international stage and effectively safeguard the fruits of their struggles against fascism and international justice.

The above is an abridgement of a People's Daily article published on Tuesday.