Despite the COVID-19 spread hindering in-person international exchanges, more than 70 major television media organizations from over 40 countries and regions "gathered" in Beijing on Dec 15, through a combined online and offline meeting, to discuss the future of global cooperation.

Sponsored by China Media Group and organized by the China International Television Corporation, the 2020 Belt and Road Media Community Summit Forum -- the first of its kind and initiated in 2016 -- was held in the Chinese capital, drawing more than 150 media representatives.

Over the past four years, the community has expanded its membership to 136 media organizations in 60 countries, with nearly 60 percent of organizations being from G7 and G20 member countries.

Shen Haixiong, head of China Media Group and director of the community, said the group will work with its international media counterparts to promote exchanges and raise mutual learning between different civilizations.

Speaking remotely online, Kirill Filippov, CEO of Russia's SPB TV, said he regards the community "more than a platform for communication and work", but "a fellowship of like-minded individuals who aim to develop intercultural relationship in pursuit of the common good".

"I believe international cooperation is particularly important when we are facing difficulties," said Javad Mottaghi, secretary-general of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, who also joined remotely.

"With ABU members sharing content on our database, we help our members get accurate information for many different countries. I believe partnership can expand our power to overcome the crisis," he added.

Tang Shiding, president of China International Television Corporation, released the 2020 annual report of the community, which shows the community has drawn new media members from a dozen countries and regions, including Israel, Argentina, Iran and Mongolia.

With the vast global broadcasting system of the community, Chinese TV programs about the country's battle against COVID-19 have been broadcast on major media platforms in more than 200 countries and regions, Tang said.

A series of co-productions were also announced during the summit, including the Sino-Italian documentary Chang'an to Rome - The Story of Two Cities on the Silk Road, the Sino-UK documentary China: Nature's Ancient Kingdom, and the 4K documentary Better Plan for Better Life.

In addition, Panda Plus -- an animated franchise co-produced by CCTV Animation alongside foreign collaborators starring pandas and iconic animals from different countries -- has announced it would release several titles, such as Panda and Springbok, the first such children's animated series co-produced by China and South Africa.