The concept of new quality productive forces was first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023, marking China’s emphasis on scientific and technological innovation as a crucial force driving economic development. The recently concluded Chinese Two Sessions in 2025 once again emphasized the importance of scientific and technological innovation and showcased a series of remarkable achievements. For example, China has ranked first globally in AI patent applications for seven consecutive years.
Two platforms, Baidu PaddlePaddle and Huawei MindSpore, have built a “digital legion” of over 10 million developers. The application of domestic AI tools like DeepSeek has reduced dependence on high-end chips and promoted intelligent transformation in the industry.
Additionally, there have been breakthroughs in fields such as quantum communication and green energy. Against this backdrop, Chinese culture, with its unique charm and profound heritage, is crossing national borders through innovative communication means to engage in deep blending and mutual appreciation with cultures worldwide. As a correspondent of China Media Group based in Ethiopia, I have witnessed this process in vivid practice on the African continent, especially CMG’s relentless efforts in promoting China-African cultural exchanges.
The 2025 CMG Spring Festival Gala not only created a ratings miracle domestically but also won widespread praise overseas, achieving a new breakthrough in cultural export. Leveraging modern technological means such as ultra-HD, virtual reality, AI, and stereoscopic vision, the gala seamlessly integrated traditional Chinese culture with modern aesthetics through program settings rich in technological elements, such as drone displays and humanoid robots performing Chinese traditional dances, presenting a feast for the senses for global audiences. Particularly noteworthy is that the gala was broadcast for the first time on the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, allowing Ethiopian viewers to celebrate with the Chinese people during the Spring Festival and experience the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.
Meanwhile, the various global records set by the Chinese film “Ne Zha: Mo Tong Nao Hai”(Ne Zha 2) have pushed the popularity of Chinese culture to new heights. Screened in multiple countries worldwide, the film has won widespread affection from global audiences for its exquisite visuals, moving storyline, and profound cultural connotations.
From a production standpoint, the film’s meticulous craftsmanship over five years, including nearly 2,000 special effects shots and over 10,000 special effects elements, has amazed the industry by transforming Chinese animation from “technology import” to “standard export”. Many foreign netizens have commented, “The film’s action and visual effects alone are impressive.” In Africa, “Ne Zha 2” has successfully landed in South Africa and is planned for future releases in Kenya, Nigeria, and other countries. It is believed that as its influence continues to expand, Ethiopian viewers will also have the opportunity to experience the charm of this film, further deepening their understanding and interest in Chinese culture.
Media plays an irreplaceable role in China-African cultural mutual appreciation, with CMG always at the forefront. In August 2024, the CMG Africa Bureau conducted a stunning live report of the Kenyan wildlife migration using innovative technological means of 5G+AI+3D Audio. This live broadcast immersed global viewers in the beauty and wonder of Africa’s nature and demonstrated CMG’s exceptional capabilities in international communication.
In the same month, the successful exhibition “How Civilizations Meet: Liangzhu” in Addis Ababa beautifully collided Chinese civilization with ancient African civilizations, allowing Ethiopian viewers to experience China’s long history and splendid culture up close. These exchange activities have not only enhanced understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Africa but also built important platforms for China-African cultural mutual appreciation.
Driven by new quality productive forces, Chinese culture is embracing the world with a more open, inclusive, and innovative posture. As an important window for the dissemination of Chinese culture, CMG will continue to leverage its unique advantages in international communication to contribute more Chinese wisdom and strength to promoting world cultural diversity and the progress of human civilization.
Editor’s Note: The author is correspondent of CMG Addis Ababa bureau
BY WU TING
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 9 MARCH 2025
