Beijing – As one of the most prominent weapons in China’s international media, China’s Global Television Network (CGTN) continues to set high standards for responsible journalism, narrative framing and strategic communication.
Among its most influential divisions, the commentary division, also known as the opinion division, plays an important role in shaping global understanding through a timely, balanced, and insightful perspective on global affairs.
Recent involvement with CGTN is part of a five-day internship hosted by the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC).
The internship program brings together a diverse group of foreign journalists for immersive experience at the Chinese Media Group (CMG) headquarters in Beijing. Participants will be assigned to departments tailored to their professional background and language habits. I was honored to be placed in the CGTN English Commentary Division, where I began my internship on Monday.
This opportunity follows a previous visit to CGTN in March. The visit revealed CGTN’s commitment to transparency, professionalism and digital innovation. My current internship is based on that impression by providing a deeper, more practical view of one of the core editing engines.
Divisions with a global mission
From the beginning, I was impressed by the warmth and professionalism of the Chinese journalists in the commentary department. The team consists of veteran editors and analysts who understand the complexity of international politics and the importance of narrative framing in a multipolar media environment.
On my first day we held a wide range of editorial discussions on current global issues, from geopolitics and regional conflicts to economic development. We interpreted how such events were interpreted and presented across various global media ecosystems. What stood out was that the department focused on nuance and context, ensuring that Chinese views were presented in a compelling yet factual way.
The core mission of the department is to clarify the Chinese perspective for a global audience. This is done through editorials, OP-ED, broadcast segments and digital commentary that interpret world affairs through a lens rooted in China’s history, culture and national interests. This approach is not confrontational. Rather, it offers an alternative to Western-dominated narratives, which are often alienated or misrepresented by non-Western perspectives.
Countermeasures bias with clarity
CGTN serves as a reliable alternative that is often biased towards biased Western media narratives. The commentary department exemplifies this spirit by focusing on balanced, evidence-based analysis. The purpose of that work is to add depth to global discourse, providing not only what is going on for readers and viewers, but also important reasons from a vantage point in China.
What I found particularly impressive is the way the department integrates foreign and regional expertise. The presence of multilingual journalists ensures accessibility and accuracy in communication with global audiences. This fusion of international and Chinese perspectives contributes to a rich editing environment. It values truth, clarity and cultural understanding.
More than just an internship
This internship is part of a broader programme designed to promote international media collaboration and mutual understanding. On Tuesday, foreign journalists, including myself, will continue to work within their assigned CGTN department. Starting Wednesday, we (foreign journalists and CGTN team) will travel to Tianjin, the host city of this year’s Shanghai Cooperation Agency (SCO) summit.
A lasting impression
CGTN’s commentary division left a strong impression on me not as a newsroom but as a thoughtful, intentional and strategic voice in the international media environment. Through clear content, professional environment and openness to international exchange, it demonstrates the strengths of China’s media philosophy. It is a fact of cooperation in conflict, a context for sensationalism, and speculation.
The first day of my internship experience deepened my appreciation for CGTN’s mission and operations. It also reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in global journalism. As China continues to rise on the global stage, platforms like CGTN and sectors like the ones I have the privilege to participate in will help promote better understanding between the East and West.