Written by chiajuiy on February 18, 2025

Building bridges: a chinese journalist’s perspective in Germany

Interview

by Chiajui Yang

International journalism serves as a crucial bridge between cultures, shaping perceptions and fostering understanding across nations. However, navigating different media landscapes, political systems, and cultural expectations poses significant challenges for journalists working in foreign environments.

To explore these complexities, I interviewed Jiawen Ruan, a seasoned Chinese journalist who has been stationed in Germany for over fourteen years with CCTV (China Central Television). From her early experiences as a German major at Tongji University to her current role as an international reporter, Ruan shares her insights into the differences between Chinese and German media, the challenges of cross-cultural reporting, and her efforts to bridge gaps between the two nations through journalism.

Jiawen Ruan’s experience as a Chinese journalist in Germany highlights the complexities of cross-cultural media work. While journalistic practices, political influences, and societal norms differ between the two countries, she believes that journalism should ultimately serve as a bridge, not a barrier. Through her work, she strives to bring greater nuance to international reporting and challenge one-sided narratives, fostering deeper understanding between China and Germany.

Chiajui Yang: What inspired you to become a journalist, and how did you enter the field?

Jiawen Ruan: My entry into journalism was not entirely planned. Back in 2010, when I was still a student majoring in German at Tongji University, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Beijing World Expo. One day, while I was assisting with an event, I noticed a CCTV News mobile broadcast van parked nearby. To my surprise, one of my favorite journalists was inside. Excited, I approached and asked for a photo.

During our brief exchange, the journalist inquired about my major and casually said, “We need journalists who speak German. You should consider joining us.” That conversation planted a seed in my mind. After graduating, I joined CCTV’s German department through an expatriate program and began my career as an interpreter in Bavaria. Two years later, I officially transitioned into journalism, covering political, economic, and cultural stories between China and Germany.

C.Y.: How was your transition to working and living in Germany? Did you face any cultural challenges?

J.R.: Since I majored in German studies and had participated in an exchange program in Germany, I was already familiar with the country’s language, customs, and history, which made my transition relatively smooth. However, adapting to Germany’s structured work culture was a challenge.

Unlike in China, where work communication often happens instantly through WeChat or phone calls, in Germany, every professional interaction requires a formal appointment system (Termin). For example, if I wanted to schedule an interview with a German official or expert, I had to request an appointment at least a week in advance. In China, journalists can often get responses within hours, but in Germany, the process is much more rigid. This difference in workflow expectations required me to adjust my approach.

C.Y.: What are your primary responsibilities as a journalist stationed in Germany?

J.R.: My core responsibility is news reporting, particularly on topics that are of interest to Chinese audiences. Since there are few Chinese journalists fluent in German, I also handle public relations, event coordination, and negotiations with German media outlets. My work involves a combination of traditional reporting, media diplomacy, and strategic communication.

One of my key tasks is to identify stories that resonate with both Chinese and German audiences. For instance, while Germany’s energy policies or automotive industry may not always be front-page news in German media, they are highly relevant in China due to China’s focus on renewable energy and electric vehicles. As a journalist, I must balance both perspectives, ensuring that my reporting provides insightful, relevant, and accurate coverage.

C.Y.: What are the main differences between Chinese and German media practices?

J.R.: There are several key differences between Chinese and German journalism, shaped by political, social, and cultural factors.In China, the news cycle is fast-paced and flexible. If I need additional details for a story, I can simply message a source and expect a quick response. In Germany, the process is more structured, with journalists having to schedule interviews far in advance.

German journalism places a strong emphasis on investigative reporting and critical analysis of public policies. Chinese media, particularly state-owned outlets like CCTV, focus more on social stability, economic growth, and positive narratives.

German media organizations operate independently from the government, yet their reporting often reflects subtle ideological positions on international affairs.

Chinese media follows a top-down structure, where content aligns with government policies, but journalists still have some editorial flexibility within that framework.

C.Y.: How do German media perceive Chinese journalists?

J.R.: There is a noticeable trust gap between Chinese and German journalists. Many German journalists have direct access to government press offices and internal sources, while Chinese journalists must rely more on publicly available data.

Additionally, some German institutions hesitate to collaborate with Chinese journalists, fearing misrepresentation or political bias. This makes it difficult for Chinese media professionals to establish credibility and access firsthand sources.

C.Y.: Have you faced any specific challenges as a Chinese journalist in Germany?

J.R.: Yes, particularly in dealing with data privacy regulations and political sensitivities.

For example, when I tried to interview a German public health organization about vaccination statistics, they refused to share data due to strict privacy laws (GDPR). In contrast, German journalists often have greater access to similar data.

Another challenge is the perception of Chinese media. Some German professionals are reluctant to engage with Chinese journalists, assuming that we have a government-driven agenda, which can limit our ability to present diverse perspectives.

C.Y.: Have you worked on any projects to promote cross-cultural media exchange?

J.R.: Yes. In November 2024, I launched a new column “China Perspective” in the Berliner Zeitung, in collaboration with CCTV. The goal is to provide German audiences with an alternative view of China, covering topics like Germany’s industrial transformation, AI, and social media trends.

This initiative aims to foster mutual understanding and challenge stereotypes in mainstream reporting.

C.Y.: What advice would you give to students interested in cross-cultural journalism?

J.R.: My advice is simple:

1. Master the language – Being fluent in your target region’s language is crucial for building trust.

2. Develop critical thinking – Learn to analyze different media narratives and spot biases.

3. Stay open-minded – Journalism should be about building bridges, not reinforcing stereotypes.

We live in a world where misunderstandings between East and West hinder globalization. But through journalism, we can illuminate shared challenges and create a more connected global society.