Head of Communications Altun: "A global paradigm centred on truth and justice is essential for securing peace and stability in the world. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been voicing Türkiye’s call for “a fairer world” at every international platform in the strongest possible terms."
During his speech at the "Türkiye-China Media Forum," organised at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Communications, the Presidency's Head of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, stated that they had come together to hold the fourth edition of international media forums organised under Türkiye's Communication Model.
Stating that previous forums with media professionals from the African continent, Germany, and the Balkans fostered a series of interactions grounded in common understanding and paved the way for new collaborations, Head of Communications Altun expressed his belief that the current event, hosting media professionals from the People’s Republic of China, would likewise be enlightening and fruitful, offering opportunities for fresh beginnings and joint initiatives.
Head of Communications Altun noted that they are meeting today not only as media professionals from two countries but also as representatives of two great civilisations. He went on to say, "What unites us here is not merely professional solidarity but also shared values, shared concerns, and shared hopes. With deep-rooted histories, strong cultural ties, and ancient civilisations, Türkiye and China have sustained their relations—dating back centuries—at the level of “strategic cooperation” since 2010." Emphasising that the strategic partnership between Türkiye and China benefits both nations and contributes to building a shared future, in line with a vision of a multipolar world, Head of Communications Altun continued his remarks as follows:
"Most recently, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Astana last year, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China met on numerous occasions on the margins of international gatherings, where they exchanged views on regional and global issues. Alongside these meetings between our heads of state, diplomatic contacts and consultation mechanisms between Türkiye and China have been expanding steadily. Efforts continue to harmonise China’s Belt and Road Initiative—referred to as the 'New Silk Road'—with the Middle Corridor route, which offers route diversification between China and Europe. In addition to this critically important initiative as an alternative to global trade routes, the recent increase in flight frequencies between our countries is also a source of satisfaction. Just a few months ago, the number of weekly passenger flights between the two countries rose from 21 to 49. This is the clearest indication of the growing mutual interest between our societies. Indeed, Türkiye and China are two countries that have shown that distance is no barrier to fondness, understanding, solidarity, and cooperation."
Head of Communications Altun recalled that following the devastating earthquakes on February 6, known as the "disaster of the century", 20 Chinese teams—comprising nearly 450 personnel—took part in the search and rescue efforts and expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for this display of solidarity and support. Noting that the relationship between Türkiye and China has, throughout history, been shaped by mutual respect, multifaceted cooperation, and cultural affinity, Head of Communications Altun said, "This relationship, which embodies the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, is now finding a strong new foundation in the field of media and communication."
"Türkiye strives for peace and prosperity for all”
Head of Communications Altun underlined that they are witnessing one of the most turbulent periods in human history.
"We are living through an era of uncertainty, in which crises can erupt at any moment. These global uncertainties, regardless of geography, affect all societies worldwide to varying degrees," said Altun, noting that new conflicts arise before existing ones are resolved through peace.
Stating that the war between Türkiye's northern neighbours, Russia and Ukraine, has been ongoing for over three years, with globally significant consequences, Head of Communications Altun noted that under the strong leadership of President Erdoğan, Türkiye has maintained open diplomatic channels with both sides and continues its efforts to help establish a peaceful environment that benefits the parties.
Head of Communications Altun emphasised that Türkiye has also shown its commitment to peace and its efforts to stabilise the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, two significant and long-established nations in Asia, and went on to say:
"Türkiye stands among the countries that most strongly condemn Israel’s invasive and expansionist policies, which have become a threat to global peace and security. As is well known, while the murderous Netanyahu government continues its uninterrupted genocide in Gaza, it is also targeting other countries in the region, such as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. The recent 12-day-long tension triggered by Israel’s attack on Iran has once again revealed that Israel must be urgently stopped. Unfortunately, however, many of the so-called major powers in global politics not only fail to stop Israel but actually support the Netanyahu administration, thereby undermining global peace. This starkly illustrates the dysfunctionality and failure of the current global order. International organisations established to secure peace have proven inadequate, and international treaties have become ineffective.
A global paradigm centred on truth and justice is essential for securing peace and stability in the world. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been voicing Türkiye’s call for 'a fairer world' at every international platform in the strongest possible terms. With its stabilising power, Türkiye strives for 'peace and prosperity for all'. Guided by this vision, our country has taken responsibility in almost every recent global crisis, hosting diplomatic talks and peace negotiations. Our fundamental goal is to ensure that truth and fairness prevail in all areas. Achieving this requires fairer representation in the international communication ecosystem, just as it does in diplomacy. A global media order based on truth, resilient against disinformation, and enabling all of humanity to have their voices heard is indispensable to global peace. It is essential for global justice."
"Disinformation is not merely a concern of one nation alone but one shared by the global public"
Head of Communications Altun remarked that digitalisation, rapid advances in communication technologies, the accelerated flow of information, and the rise of new media platforms have all fundamentally transformed both the nature and the influence of the media. Highlighting that they also face serious challenges alongside the opportunities brought by this transformation, Head of Communications Altun said, "In particular, disinformation, perception management operations, artificial content manipulation, and digital polarisation are global concerns—not just national or regional ones."
Pointing out that today, access to information has accelerated, but the reliability of that information has diminished, Head of Communications Altun said, "The speed at which content goes viral now matters more than whether it is accurate or represents the truth. This also hinders the constructive formation of public opinion and makes it more difficult for societies to develop shared wisdom. In this context, media professionals and actors leading government communication have great responsibilities."
Head of Communications Altun noted that the media serves not only as a channel for information but also as a creator of meaning, a builder of perceptions, and a powerful influence that shapes societies, adding that they strive to ensure that this power is exercised in favour of truth and based on respect for human dignity. Noting that in an era where truth is undermined, they must prioritise trust in communication, accuracy in information, and responsibility in media ethics, Head of Communications Altun said, "This can only be achieved through multilateral cooperation, mutual exchange of experiences, and international media solidarity. From this perspective, we regard the Türkiye–China Media Forum not only as a platform for two countries but also as a forum that serves the common interests of the global media community."
"We have placed great value on mutual experience and knowledge sharing with the People’s Republic of China"
Head of Communications Altun underscored that, as the Directorate of Communications, they have taken significant steps in media diplomacy over the past few years, developed strategies for fighting disinformation, and prioritised the provision of accurate and timely public information. Noting that they have also implemented numerous projects in the areas of digital public diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and strategic communication, Head of Communications Altun continued his remarks as follows:
"Throughout this process, we have placed great value on mutual experience and knowledge sharing with friendly and strategic partners—particularly the People’s Republic of China. This forum is a concrete reflection of that approach. Throughout the forum, we will explore the similarities and differences between our media systems. We will explore the relationship between conventional media and digital media, as well as the challenges associated with transitioning from one to the other. We will reflect on themes such as perception management, cultural representation, artificial intelligence, and the future of communication technologies. And most importantly, we will reaffirm that accurate information must be strengthened through cooperation and dialogue. At this point, we will deliver a joint message."
"We will embrace a media strategy based on human dignity and in pursuit of truth"
Head of Communications Altun noted that Türkiye and China are two nations capable of fostering not only economic but also civilisation-based collaboration. Indicating that the media can serve as a bridge in this regard, he said, "Because media is not merely a medium for news—it is also a medium for understanding. When used properly, it does not divide, but rather unites; it does not cause social polarisation; and it brings social groups, countries, and international public opinion together. As I conclude my remarks, I wish the Türkiye–China Media Forum great success. I would like to thank all participants and my colleagues who contributed to the organisation of this event. I firmly believe that we will continue to collaborate through a media strategy based on human dignity and in pursuit of truth."
China's Ambassador to Ankara, Jiang, at the Türkiye-China Media Forum
In addition to the Head of Communications, Altun, China's Ambassador to Ankara, Jiang, representatives from institutions and organisations in the media and communication fields, and numerous guests attended the forum.
Speaking at the opening of the Türkiye-China Media Forum, China's Ambassador to Ankara, Jiang Xuebin, emphasised the importance of journalists in strengthening bilateral friendship and mutual understanding.
In his remarks, Ambassador Jiang noted that relations between the two nations have improved recently under the strategic leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Xi Jinping of China. Jiang stated that cooperation between China and Türkiye in civil aviation, finance, and infrastructure continues to grow and that the two leaders met last year and have been in close contact at all levels for some time.
Jiang stated that "interstate relations depend on the friendship of peoples," noting that many Chinese media outlets, especially the Xinhua News Agency, have been operating in Türkiye for a long time, and that some Turkish television channels are also active in China. Jiang stated that many Turkish journalists have visited China, and he addressed the topic of media cooperation between the two countries.
Jiang also stated that "Türkiye and China do not fully understand each other, and there is much work to be done to develop and deepen mutual understanding", and expressed hope that the two countries would take an active role in improving strategic cooperation. Jiang noted that the political foundation of bilateral relations must be strengthened and that the peoples of the two countries should work together for mutual benefit.
Jiang expressed that news should be impartial and accurate, adding that Türkiye and China are ancient civilisations and that journalists play an important role in the exchange between civilisations.
Ambassador Jiang said that "Journalists should strengthen our friendship and deepen mutual understanding between peoples," expressing his hope that journalists would contribute to a global perspective and progress with an accurate historical outlook.
