Training Session on “Media and Narrative Construction in China–Tanzania Relations” for the China Fellowship Program at the University of Sargodha

On 11th November 2025, as part of the joint China Fellowship Program, a training session was held at the University of Sargodha (UoS). Dr. David Haruna Mrisho, Deputy Director of the East Africa Research Center for a Community with a Shared Future and Head of the Department of Public Relations and Marketing at the University of St. Augustine, Tanzania, led an engaging session on the role of narratives in shaping international relations, with a particular focus on China–Tanzania cooperation.
Dr. Mrisho emphasized that narratives serve as frameworks for interpreting history, identity, and global partnerships. He encouraged participants to reflect on how stories defining China–Africa relations are shaped differently through Western, Chinese, and African perspectives, influencing mutual understanding and international development.
The session examined the pivotal role of media in constructing and framing these narratives, contrasting themes of neo-colonialism often portrayed in Western media with notions of shared prosperity prevalent in Chinese media, while also recognizing the diversity of African perspectives. The discussion incorporated theoretical frameworks such as framing theory, constructivism, and postcolonial thought, highlighting the importance of constructive journalism, ethical reporting, and cross-cultural communication.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, where students actively participated, shared their insights, and engaged with Dr. Mrisho, deepening their understanding of the complexities and opportunities embedded in media-driven international relations.
The training session was moderated by Ms. Yusra Binte Nisar, Research Assistant at the Pakistan Research Centre for a Community with a Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad and Ms. Alishba Aslam, Research Officer at Pakistan Institute of China Studies University of Sargodha (PICS-UOS).