TV show 'The Classic Quotes by Xi Jinping' starts airing in Hungary

"The Classic Quotes by Xi Jinping," a multilingual TV program produced by China Media Group (CMG) that features quotes from ancient Chinese classics used by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his speeches and articles, began airing on Hungarian media outlets on Wednesday.

The show was launched on the same day Xi arrived in Hungarian capital Budapest for a state visit at the invitation of Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

During the opening ceremony, former Hungarian President Pal Schmitt and former Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy applauded the airing of the program.

"The Classic Quotes by Xi Jinping" focuses on themes including common prosperity and green development, and selects the original speeches and quotes from ancient Chinese classics used by Xi to elaborate on ancient Chinese stories and wisdom.

During the program, the hosts invite foreign guests on on-site tours to experience and explore the traditional cultural perspectives that underlie China's achievements in governance and the value of ancient wisdom on modern society.

Schmitt warmly welcomed Xi's visit, noting China is a trustworthy good friend and good partner of Hungary. He said as China and Hungary celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties, the two countries have achieved a lot in jointly building the Belt and Road, while people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries are thriving, and cooperation in sports and other fields have enhanced the traditional friendship between the two peoples.

He also said he is confident in the power of media to promote exchanges in the two countries' experience in governance and social development.

Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of CMG, said in his speech that the media plays an irreplaceable and unique role in promoting exchanges between countries and enhancing people-to-people bonds.

According to Shen, the show offers a window into Xi's thoughts on state governance, a better understanding of Chinese wisdom and spirit, and a deeper perception of the legacy of China's traditional culture and the unique charm of its efforts to build a modern civilization.

He said CMG is willing to work with Hungarian friends to promote cultural exchanges, people-to-people bonds and mutual learning between civilizations, so as to continue to write a new chapter in China-Hungary friendly and cooperative relations and contribute more to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.

(Cover: Opening ceremony of CMG's show "The Classic Quotes by Xi Jinping" in Budapest, Hungary, May 8, 2024. /CMG)