Related: AP president visits
Xinhuanet
| Xinhua News Agency President Tian Congming, accompanied by Xinhua Deputy Secretary-General and Xinhuanet President Zhou Xisheng, meets with Associated Press President Tom Curley, Sept. 28, 2006. (Xinhuanet Photo) |
BEIJING, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The presidents of
Xinhua and The Associated Press (AP) on Thursday pledged to increase exchanges
and cooperation in news and information.
Xinhua President Tian Congming told Thomas Curley, AP
president and chief executive officer, that the two news agencies cooperated
well since forging formal relations in 1972.
"Xinhua is ready to work with AP to expand exchanges
and cooperation in line with mutual respect, equal coordination and mutual
benefit," Tian said.
As the news agency of the host country of the 2008
Olympic Games, Xinhua would assist AP and other media to cover the Olympics.
Tian also introduced the Measures for Administering
the Release of News and Information in China by Foreign News Agencies, which
Xinhua promulgated on Sept. 10.
Tian recalled Premier Wen Jiabao's remarks on this
issue at a press conference with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Premier Wen
took the opportunity to clarify misunderstandings of China's policies on foreign
media.
Wen reiterated that China's open policy to foreign
media and information institutions remained unchanged. The Chinese government
would guarantee the freedom and rights of foreign media and information
institutions, he said.
In the meantime, he expressed the hope and belief
that Chinese laws were respected. Wen noted in particular that China would
ensure the free flow of business, financial and economic information.
"The premier's points have highlighted the nature of
the Measures," Tian told Curley.
In 1996, the State Council empowered Xinhua to
administer the release of economic information in China by foreign news
agencies. All foreign news agencies must submit applications to Xinhua if they
want to release economic information in China. The newly promulgated Measures
retain and continue the authorization in 1996.
Tian stressed that Xinhua sought no economic gain
through the administration of overseas news agencies. "We will maintain an open
attitude to do things well in accordance with law and provide a good service,"
he said.
Curley expressed appreciation for Tian's clear
explanation, saying he had "great understanding" of this issue.
The world's media were looking forward to the
opportunity to cover the Beijing Olympic Games, Curley said, noting that AP
would send its "largest delegation" to China to cover the Olympics, and hoped to
cooperate with Xinhua in the coverage.
AP and Xinhua should expand their exchanges and
cooperation in such fields as the development of Internet media, he said.
Curley was here to attend the Olympic world press
briefing, which offered the opportunity to review first hand the preparations
for the 2008 Games. Enditem
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