China-Ethiopia Media Collaboration Deepening with Launch of "China Hour"

Addis Addis, May 14, 2025 (ENA) --Ethiopia and China launched a new chapter with media partnership at the "Seeing China - Fostering China-Ethiopia Media Collaboration" event held at Addis Ababa University.

The event marked the launch of “China Hour” on Ethiopian state television and introduced a showcase of Chinese audiovisual content across several Ethiopian media platforms.

Speaking at the ceremony, Legesse Tulu, Minister of the Government Communication Service, said the initiative was “not merely a showcase or program or a platform for policy dialogue. It is a celebration of vision, creativity and solidarity between Ethiopia and the People's Republic of China as we mark the 55th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.”

 

The event, organized through a trilateral effort involving the National Radio and Television Administration of China, Ethiopia’s Government Communication Service, and the Chinese Embassy, aims to enhance audiovisual cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthen media ties between the two nations.

The Minister, who studied in China, reflected personally on the influence of Chinese media institutions.

“It was in Beijing that I witnessed firsthand the strength of China's media institutions, the discipline of its public communication strategies, and the power of storytelling as a bridge between two nations.”

The newly launched “China Hour” will feature a curated selection of TV series, animations, documentaries, and variety shows from China. These programs will be aired not only on ETV but also across Fana Broadcasting Corporation, and ARTS TV.

Highlighting the potential of media to build bridges, Legesse remarked, “Let our two nations work together not just in roads and railways, but in narratives and networks, in building the soft infrastructure of understanding, connection, and respect.”

Chinese Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration, Cao Shumin, also underscored the importance of the collaboration.

 

“Audiovisual media are vital to people-to-people exchange and a mutual understanding. They also stand for the frontier of technology and business.”

She added that “ … It will feature China-made dramas, documentaries and animations to the local audiences, like The Wonder, The Ideal City, Adventures of the Panda and Havoc in Heaven. Altogether, 20 classic and most popular audiovisual products will be broadcast through local mainstream media.”

Cao emphasized the future-forward nature of the partnership, calling for both sides to “embrace new models of exchange and cooperation… and build on this opportunity to demonstrate the rich heritage and contemporary spirit of the two civilizations.”

She also noted the importance of emerging formats such as mini-dramas and highlighted plans for further technical collaboration, talent exchange, and capacity building, including joint training and participation in international audiovisual forums.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chen Hai, called the collaboration “of special significance,” especially in the context of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

 

He announced that the two countries would “co-host initiatives like Ethiopian Youth Vision on China, mini-drama comp
etition and Happy Spring Festival cultural activity,” and reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to “fostering practical collaboration in content sharing, technology transfer… and advancing the community with a shared future with the power of the media.”

As both nations look to amplify their shared development agenda, today’s event signaled a strategic move towards greater narrative collaboration and a broader mutual understanding through the power of storytelling.