This new platform for media communication between China and Portugal, initiated by the Nanfang Media Group based in Guangzhou, was unveiled at the festival, which featured displays of Chinese culture, traditional costumes, Chinese calligraphy, and wines and spirits produced by Quinta da Marmeleira, a company established through the investment of the late Macau businessman Wu Zhiwei in a vineyard in Alenquer.
Liu Qiyu, president of Nanfang Media Group (Nanfang Daily Press), stated in his speech that as we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Europe, as well as the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Portugal, it is important to “strengthen the connection between Chinese and Portuguese media and promote Chinese media from the Greater Bay Area in Portuguese to all Portuguese-speaking countries.”
He also noted that the Nanfang Media Group has gained “wide national and international influence in recent years, rooted in China’s major economic province, Guangdong, and is committed to building bridges for international cooperation and promoting dialogue between civilizations.”
Thus, the platform aims to promote the group as an “international brand” and enhance “cooperation with media worldwide.” The goal is to “gather the wisdom and strength of the media from both countries to tell the stories of Guangdong, the Greater Bay Area, and China to the Lusophone world, while also bringing stories from Portugal and Europe to China, especially to Guangdong.”
From Ronaldo to Saramago
The event was attended by the Chinese ambassador in Lisbon, Zhao Bentang, who emphasized the importance of uniting the two cultures and the media in Portuguese and Chinese.
“Portugal can transcend borders and overcome ethnic differences, building points of communication and understanding. With a brilliant treasure of human civilization, Chinese culture has a long and profound history and a solid foundation. In recent years, Chinese culture has become increasingly popular and a trend abroad through food, traditional costumes, and electronic games,” said the ambassador.
He also noted that Portugal “was one of the first European countries to communicate with China,” creating a “history of over 500 years.” This has built a “solid popular foundation for the common development of cultural exchanges.”
Zhao Bentang highlighted the popularity of some Portuguese-language authors in China, such as Fernando Pessoa and José Saramago, whose books “can be found in every Chinese bookstore.” The ambassador did not forget to mention the great star of Portuguese football, Cristiano Ronaldo, “a well-known name in China.”
