Wang Gangyi (right), President and Editor in Chief of Beijing Review, talks to PTV News Channel in Islamabad, Pakistan, on August 5 (HUANG WEI)

Wang Gangyi, President and Editor in Chief of Beijing Review, appeared in an exclusive interview with News Channel, broadcast by state-run Pakistan Television Corporation Ltd. (PTV), in Islamabad on August 5.

In the 30-minute English interview, Wang gave a brief outline of the general situation of China's media, including the operation of Beijing Review, the only national English weekly magazine published since 1958, and the challenges traditional media are facing in the era of new media.

When asked to comment on Sino-Pakistan relations, Wang said the two countries are "good neighbors, good partners," and the ongoing contact between the two countries lays an important foundation for mutual development. In addition, the increasing understanding and trust between the two peoples provide a more solid foundation for deeper bilateral relations, said Wang.

He said the media could play a bigger role in strengthening Sino-Pakistan friendship, and suggested that media professionals from both sides increase information and other exchanges, by sending reporters and editors to have direct contacts with locals, for example. This kind of exchanges would facilitate understanding between people, said Wang.

"In the long term, there is no doubt that the Sino-Pakistan friendship will keep on developing, and the cooperation will no doubt continue to expand as well," Wang said.

The PTV, Pakistan's national television broadcaster, established in 1964 is based in Islamabad. With more than 6,000 personnel, the PTV includes six channels and a training academy. The PTV News is a 24-hour news channel which can be viewed in many parts of the world.

Wang, who headed a CIPG (China International Publishing Group) media delegation, arrived in Pakistan on August 3, kicking off a week-long visit.

A report on the delegation's August 4 visit to its office appeared in The News, a national English newspaper run by Pakistan's largest media group Jang Group, on August 5.

(Reporting from Islamabad, Pakistan)