MIAMI, United States. – Directors of the China Media Group (CMG) and Cuban Television officially presented this Friday the television space WithTexts, a program dedicated to information about China, according to a report of the Cuban state agency Prensa Latina (PL).
According to this outlet, the initiative is the result of a co-production between China Global Television Network (CGTN in Spanish) and the Caribbean channel of Cuba, and represents “a milestone” in cooperation between the two countries.
Zhang Buxin, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Havana, told PL that the television production showed mutual trust and the will to promote bilateral relations, as well as being a window for mutual understanding between both peoples.
For his part, Zhu Boying, CMG’s general director for Latin America, highlighted the importance of having “diverse, fair, impartial and rational voices” in the international media scene.
WithTexts it has been on the air in test mode since July 6, 2022 and has a duration of 30 minutes. The program includes news, analysis by Chinese commentators and interviews with international experts to delve into different topics related to China.
The space is broadcast every Wednesday at 9:30 pm, Cuban time, on the Caribbean Channel, with rebroadcasts on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons.
What the Cuban regime’s media present as “a milestone” could mean another threat to freedom of expression in both countries. Both Cuba and China have one-party governments and have been criticized for their sustained violations of human rights. Media collaboration between the two nations may be an attempt to disseminate their perspectives and control the narrative, rather than encourage pluralistic and unbiased discourse.
In another area of cooperation between the two countries, Lin Songtian, president of the Chinese People’s Friendship Association with Foreign Countries, also alluded to China’s willingness to expand cooperation with Cuba in multiple areas of mutual benefit, according to another PL report.
During a meeting with students, Songtian stressed that the Asian nation and the island have always worked “hand in hand”, providing mutual support and being an example of South-South cooperation.
