Beijing: Being a journalist in a foreign country is always an eye-opening experience. But being a Malaysian journalist in China, especially at a time of shifting global narratives, brings with it a unique set of challenges and responsibilities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, over the past three months, a journalist was based in Beijing under the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme, living and working alongside fellow journalists from more than 40 countries. Together, they traveled across provinces, attended press briefings, forums, and conferences, and visited schools, technology hubs, industrial ports, and manufacturing centers. The stories they encountered were carefully curated to highlight China’s progress and its rising stature on the world stage.
Undeniably, many of these stories were impressive. The scale of innovation, infrastructure, and ambition in China is extraordinary. From cutting-edge artificial intelligence labs in Shenzhen to green logistics ports in Tianjin, it is clear that China is positioning itself to play a defining role in the next chapter of global development. For many nations, particularly those in the Global South, China offers an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional Western powers.
Yet, as a journalist from Malaysia, there was a constant mindfulness that not every story encountered was necessarily one to pursue. Malaysia’s position on the global stage is one of measured neutrality and balanced diplomacy, especially in contexts like the ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States. Malaysia maintains good relations with both nations and continues to engage with them on multiple fronts.
Even as Washington recently imposed reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods, Malaysia has chosen dialogue over confrontation. Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has undertaken working visits to the United States for tariff-related engagements, most recently from June 18-20, 2025, holding discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. This reflects the broader policy outlined by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-Malaysia will remain non-aligned and not take sides in major power rivalries.
Such a balancing act demands similar discretion from journalists. There was a deep reflection on how certain narratives, especially those tied to geopolitical tensions or ideological themes, would be received in the Malaysian context. Some stories, while relevant and acceptable within the Chinese framework, might not align with Malaysia’s diplomatic posture or media norms. Topics like the U.S.-China trade war, the global electric vehicle race, or politically weighted statements lacking verifiable data were common themes across official engagements.
These are undoubtedly important issues. However, there was a need to continually assess how such coverage might resonate-or risk misinterpretation-back home. For instance, part of the itinerary included a visit to a museum dedicated to Communist Party history and a school that incorporates its ideology into its curriculum. While this offered valuable cultural and political insight into China’s governance model, reporting on it required caution due to Malaysia’s own historical and societal sensitivities.
Journalism, after all, is not only about reporting what is seen. It’s about reporting with responsibility. Malaysia’s strength lies in its balance-and so should journalism. Reporters must not only inform but also respect the values of their readership and the broader context in which their work will be received.
After 15 years in journalism, the experience in China has sharpened the appreciation for that responsibility. It has reminded that journalism isn’t just about chasing headlines or breaking news. It’s also about knowing when to ask more questions, when to hold back, and when to steer clear of narratives that may cross into propaganda.
At the same time, reporting from abroad comes with logistical hurdles. It isn’t always easy to get hold of the right contacts or verified sources, especially when language and access become barriers. That, too, has been a humbling lesson.
As preparations are made to return home, there is more than notes and photos being brought back-a renewed understanding of what it means to be a journalist in a complex, interconnected world. And perhaps that is the most valuable takeaway of all.