BEIJING – The Tehran Times 46th anniversary celebration attended by Chinese ambassador Kong Peiu highlighted the important role of the media in strengthening Iran-China relations.
As Iran’s oldest English newspaper, the Tehran Times has long served as a platform for dialogue. His Excellency’s presence signaled the deepening of bilateral relations.
In an age where information forms diplomacy, media like Tehran promote mutual understanding among nations. Faced with Western media scrutiny, China and Iran rely on increasingly independent narratives to highlight their cooperation, from trade to geopolitics. Kong’s participation reaffirms Beijing’s commitment to this partnership and recognizes the media as a tool for soft power and shared storytelling.
As Iran and China navigate the changing global order, their collaboration extends beyond the economy to cultural and information exchange. Anniversary events represent a broader trend. In the digital age, media diplomacy is essential to building trust and solidarity among allies.
China’s ambassador Kong Peiu calls on the Tehran Times. Iran’s “Most Influential English Publications” over the past 46 years
Speaking at a ceremony held in Tehran on Monday, the Chinese ambassador lit the spotlight on the Tehran Times’ national and international credibility.
“For the past 46 years, as Iran’s most influential English publication, it has always adhered to the founding mission and the principles of objective and fair reporting. It has clearly shown the unique cultural appeal with its developmental results and warm and engaging writing. A platform for Iran to reach the outside world,” Kong said.
China Ambassador: The cooperation agreement signed between Mehr Media Group and Xinhua in October 2024 remains a “milestone event that opened a new chapter in media cooperation between the two countries.”
He described media cooperation as a “essential” part of Iran-China relations.
“China and Iran are trustworthy best friends and partners with close exchanges and cooperation in all areas, and media cooperation is an integral part of this relationship,” the ambassador said.
He attached the importance to the cooperation agreement signed last October between Iran Mehr Media Group and China’s Xinhua Communications Agency, describing it as “a milestone event that opened a new chapter in media cooperation between the two countries.”
Mohammad Mahdi Rahmati, CEO of Mehr Media Group, is CEO of Mehr News Agency and Tehran Times and Chairman of Xinhua, Fu Hua, has signed the MOU with the aim of expanding media cooperation between the two press agencies. It was signed bystanders of the 6th World Media Summit in Urumki, the capital city of China’s new jiang Uygur autonomous region.
Furthermore, in his speech, the Chinese ambassador highlighted the initiative introduced by President Xi Jinping two years ago, noting that “the media serves as an important bridge for friendly exchanges and mutual learning between the country.”
President XI submitted the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) in March 2023. The initiative advocates respect for the diversity of civilization, the common values of humanity, the importance of civilization’s inheritance and innovation, and robust international people and cooperation.
Kong also focuses on “building communities that share the future of humanity and ensuring the world is more peaceful and prosperous.”
China is a strong supporter of creating a fair and just international order, aiming to cultivate a global community that envisions a shared future for all humanity. The state emphasizes that international relations should not be determined by a single dominant force, but instead should arise from the joint dialogue of all countries.