Haikou, China – November 10, 2025
The “Walking in China 2025: Overseas Chinese Media Tour of Hainan” officially launched Monday evening in Haikou under the theme “Open New Hainan, Dynamic Free Trade Port.”
Journalists from more than 20 overseas Chinese-language media outlets across a dozen countries and regions — including the Philippines, South Korea, Romania, Germany, Canada and Australia — will spend six days touring Hainan to gain a deeper, first-hand understanding of the province’s fast-evolving Free Trade Port.
At the opening ceremony, Kang Baiying, executive deputy head of the United Front Work Department of the Hainan Provincial Committee, noted that Hainan will officially begin island-wide customs operations on December 18, 2025.
“Once the system takes effect, the movement of people, goods, capital and data in and out of Hainan will become more efficient,” Kang said. “It will create a broader stage for global resource sharing, industrial innovation and international cooperation.”
Kang added that overseas Chinese communities and Chinese-language media have long been an important driving force in supporting Hainan’s high-quality development. She encouraged the visiting journalists to use their unique perspectives and storytelling to showcase a more open, dynamic and opportunity-rich Hainan to the world.
Li Xuanliang, deputy head of the Hainan Provincial Publicity Department, called on the journalists to explore key industrial parks, businesses and communities to capture stories of economic growth and local life.
“Tell the stories of Hainan’s Free Trade Port, its enterprises and its people in ways that international audiences can relate to,” Li said. “Use the power of media networks to help attract global resources to Hainan and share the opportunities of China’s continued opening-up.”
Wu Zhaohui, assistant president of the World Journal in the Philippines, said overseas Chinese-language media have closely followed the progress of the Hainan Free Trade Port.
He described their role in three ways: as “interpreters” of Hainan’s policies, as “storytellers” showcasing its vitality, and as “promoters” helping build bridges for international cooperation and attracting global talent and investment.
Over the coming days, the delegation will visit Haikou, Chengmai, Yangpu, Dongfang, Ledong and Sanya, touring major sites such as the Haikou National High-tech Zone, Chengmai Ecological Software Park, Yangpu Economic Development Zone and Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City. Their reports will highlight the progress and momentum driving Hainan’s transformation into a world-class free trade port.
