Safeguarding the links that bring nations together

The media leader suggested using new technology such as virtual reality, the metaverse, and artificial intelligence, to transcend the barriers of time and space, allowing people to "experience cultural heritage up close without the risk of harming it". Qu also proposed promoting research and interpretation of the traditional cultures of Asian countries.

"As Asian media, we should work together to break down cultural barriers, and promote the common progress of Asian civilizations through exchange and mutual learning," he said.

In 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative, guiding cultural exchanges, mutual learning, and the prosperous development of Asian civilizations. Citing Xi's key remarks, Qu emphasized that the best way to protect a civilization is to "create a modern civilization", and called on the media industry to continue expanding international cultural and humanitarian exchange and cooperation, to provide new support to regional progress.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Asia News Network. As the leader of China Daily, a member of the media alliance, Qu urged his fellow colleagues to strive for a more equitable international communication order and to become "supervisors of Asia's heritage protection".

"We should help establish a new Asian model for the development of cultural heritage and for international cooperation. In this way, we can jointly contribute to fostering a community with a shared future for both Asia and all humanity," Qu said.

"Let's harness the fundamental, profound, and enduring cultural forces of Asia for the development of the region and the building of an Asian community with a shared future," he added.