As Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, a significant event took place on October 22nd. The launch ceremony for the third season of “A Closer Look at Xi Jinping’s Favorite Stories,” produced by China Central Radio and Television, was held in Kazan. The Presidential Executive Office in Russia sent a congratulatory letter regarding the show’s airing in the country. Over 300 attendees, including prominent figures from Russian politics, media, and education, were present for the event.
The congratulatory letter from the Russian Presidential Executive Office noted that since its debut in 2019, this outstanding cultural exchange program has become a respected tradition among major Russian media outlets. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, and the current bilateral relationship is at its historical peak. The event holds significant importance for fostering friendship between the two nations.
The third season of “A Closer Look at Xi Jinping’s Favorite Stories” features carefully selected quotes from Xi’s important speeches, articles, and conversations, highlighting themes such as prioritizing the people, innovation, common prosperity, ecological conservation, cultural heritage, and the diversity of civilizations. It showcases Xi’s remarkable political ideals, deep cultural sentiments, and expansive historical and global perspectives, presenting the cultural roots of Chinese-style modernization to its audience.
Notable figures, including Shen Haixiong, Deputy Minister of the Publicity Department and Director of China Central Radio and Television, as well as other key officials from Russian broadcasting and media, gave speeches at the event and together launched the show. Zhang Hanhui, the Chinese Ambassador to Russia, also delivered a video address.
Shen Haixiong emphasized the significance of the recently concluded 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which outlines a grand blueprint for comprehensive reform in China and broadens the scope for cultural exchanges between China and Russia. “Cultural exchange is valuable as it fosters mutual understanding and attraction,” he stated. He expressed that the new season would vividly demonstrate Xi’s rich cultural background and deep commitment to the well-being of the nation and its people. He hopes it opens a window to the unique spirit and global value of Chinese civilization, aiding in the understanding of Xi Jinping’s governance wisdom and the splendor of Chinese-style modernization.
Dmitry Dobrovolsky, president of the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, expressed that the debut of the third season in Russia held great significance. After the first two seasons were well-received, providing inspiration and generating considerable discussion across various societal sectors, he believes the third season will engage even more viewers with its rich content and wise proverbs. He mentioned that each country has its unique history and culture that should be preserved.
Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of RT television, noted that China’s robust economic and social development has significantly impacted the world, increasing global interest in Chinese culture. According to her, “A Closer Look at Xi Jinping’s Favorite Stories” serves as an excellent channel for understanding this complexity, emphasizing the value of cultural exchange in promoting mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries.
Nikolai Neygoytsa, president of the Russian newspaper “Komsomolskaya Pravda,” congratulated the launch and commented that the featured quotes will help Russian audiences appreciate the charm of Chinese culture and understand the historical roots of its rapid development. He highlighted the growing cultural exchanges between China and Russia and expressed hope that both countries could tell compelling stories of friendship.
Alexei Pushkov, head of the International Cooperation Department at Sputnik News, remarked that the wisdom contained in the series would significantly enlighten Russian viewers. He affirmed that cultural exchange is crucial for the relations between the two nations and looked forward to more collaborative cultural initiatives.
Rafis Safin, president of Kazan Federal University, pointed out the long-standing friendship between China and Russia, emphasizing successful cooperative efforts across technology, culture, and education. He highlighted the growing enthusiasm among Russian youth for learning Chinese, stating that the program offers a vital opportunity for deeper understanding.
In a video address, Ambassador Zhang Hanhui noted that “A Closer Look at Xi Jinping’s Favorite Stories” has provided a valuable window into China’s wisdom since its successful launch in 2019. He emphasized the significant cultural contribution of the new season, promoting mutual understanding and lasting friendship between the two nations.
The third season of “A Closer Look at Xi Jinping’s Favorite Stories” is now airing on multiple platforms, including the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, the website of “Komsomolskaya Pravda,” and the Greater Asia Television. On the opening day, the Russian government’s official newspaper prominently featured the announcement on its front page alongside extensive media coverage from nearly a hundred mainstream outlets across the Eurasian region and the globe.
