BY JOY OFASIA
A delegation of media professionals from the Solomon Islands visited China in November, with a shared purpose – to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the ties between the two nations.
For the local journalists who took part in this year’s tour, the journey was more than just a trip—it was a testimony to the strong collaboration, shared learning, and mutual respect.
The group, made up of representatives from various local media outlets, had the rare opportunity to witness firsthand the vibrant economic, political, and cultural landscape of China.
Upon arriving in Shanghai on November 12th, the delegation was greeted with a brief tour of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the towering Shanghai Tower and the stunning Yu Garden. For many of the journalists, it was their first time visiting such globally renowned sites, making the experience both awe-inspiring and eye-opening.
“It was a learning journey, not just about China’s development, but about how much we can learn from one another,” said Vice President for Media Association Solomon Islands (MASI) Mrs Lynda Wate Seni. “It’s interesting to witness the city’s cutting-edge urban planning displayed at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.”
But the delegation’s journey was not limited to sightseeing. In the days that followed, they explored China’s dynamic economic landscape, including the Pudong Exhibition Hall and the Global Harbor trading center, where they witnessed China’s rapidly expanding role in the global economy.
For many of the journalists, the highlight of the trip was the visit to the China-Pacific Island Countries Agriculture Cooperation and Demonstration Center in Jiangsu.
“It was inspiring to see how China is committed to working alongside Pacific nations, including the Solomon Islands, in areas like sustainable agriculture and environmental cooperation,” she said.
Beyond the business and technology tours, the delegation also immersed themselves in China’s rich cultural history, visiting landmarks like the Nanjing City Wall and the Confucius Temple.
The visits to media institutions such as Nanjing Daily and China Daily provided a deeper understanding of China’s media landscape and its strategic role in the country’s growth.
The trip ended with visits to the Museum of the Chinese Communist Party and a courtesy call to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
These moments further enhanced the delegation’s appreciation for China’s political structure and its vision for the future.
She also thanked the team leaders, including Brian Lezutuni from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and MASI President Ofani Eremae, for their firm support in making the trip possible and for media owners and editors to endorse their media professionals to be part of the Team Media to china.
“Their leadership ensured that media professionals from the Solomon Islands had the opportunity to experience and appreciate China’s advancements, as well as its rich culture and history,” she said.
The eight media professionals on the 10-day media day look and learn trip to China include Arthur Wate and Assumpta Buchanan from the Solomon Star; Simon Tavake and George Hoatamauri from SIBC; Jeremy Gwao from Tavuli News; Ronald Toito’ona from In-depth Solomons; Lynda Wate Seni (MASI vice president) from the Sunday Isles; and Brian Lezutuni (team leader) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
