Jill Chen Poun Joe, a videographer of half-Chinese descent from Suriname, visited China for the first time this May with her father and aunt. She traveled to Beijing, Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province, Shenzhen in Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, where part of her family still resides.

"My first impression of China was how developed it is—so clean, so beautiful—and I just love its people. It's amazing," she told Beijing Review. 

During her visit, she created a visual diary centered on her journey of reconnecting with her roots. "I made two videos documenting my journey to learn more about where my grandparents came from—Guangdong," she added.

The Chinese community has long been an important part of Suriname's society, according to the young woman. "They migrated there and established a strong presence, running many grocery stores and businesses," she said, adding that she also wants to learn more about her Chinese heritage.

Her works were submitted to the Third "China-LAC: Close Friendship Obliterates the Distance" Short Video Contest, where she won first prize. As a result, she was invited to return to China, and on the evening of September 8, she joined more than 30 other influencers from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries at the award ceremony.

The contest, hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), invited short video creators from China and LAC countries to capture the beauty of mutual learning between civilizations. From late June to the end of July, participants uploaded their videos to domestic and international social media platforms for a chance to win awards and to be invited to the official award ceremony.

According to the organizers, the contest received over 530 entries from China and 26 from LAC countries, garnering over 235 million views on social media platforms. The highest view count for a single overseas entry reached 2.34 million.

"Through vivid shots and small perspectives, they genuinely convey the sense of gain and happiness that China-LAC cooperation has brought to the people of both sides. These works are the best interpretation of the China-LAC community with a shared future," Liu Biwei, Vice President of the CPDA, said at the ceremony.

Documenting China and LAC 

Alex Mauricio Baldivieso Vargas is a content creator from Bolivia, with 7 million followers on social media platforms. He made a video about the relationship between China and Latin America, highlighting exciting connections and how social media allows people to see and learn more about China.

"I think China is really cool because the people are so friendly. They are always willing to help and guide you, whether you need something or just ask for directions. The people are wonderful—I truly love the Chinese people," he told Beijing Review when commenting on his first impression of the country.

Before coming to China, most of his knowledge of the country came through social media, especially TikTok. "I saw a lot of videos about Shanghai, Shenzhen and also the Great Wall," he added. This year is the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bolivia.

"We live in an age where communication and connection are shaped by social media, creativity and digital storytelling. We have been entrusted with a special mandate to become ambassadors of understanding between China and LAC countries," Elsie Ann Harry, a Guyanese content creator, said at the ceremony. Harry studied in China seven years ago and said the experience profoundly shaped her life—by broadening her academic lens and deepening her cultural appreciation.

"Returning [to China] now feels like a homecoming," she said. "This contest is a unique opportunity to connect people and ideas. Each of us here represents unique cultures, histories and perspectives; together with our Chinese friends, we have the power to tell stories that inspire cooperation, respect and solidarity across borders."

"We think this contest is a fun way to engage in cultural exchange between different countries. Knowing that our content can cross borders and reach China makes it even more meaningful," Juliana Leal Souza Santa Barbara and Elvis Santos Santa Barbara told Beijing Review. Their social media accounts mainly share humorous videos featuring them as a couple.

"Brazilians enjoy content related to China, especially reports on technology. In Brazil, when people think about technology, they immediately think of China, which is very advanced in this field," they said.

Anyin Choo, Ambassador of Guyana to China, said at the ceremony that the content creators are the modern-day cartographers. They are not drawing lines of separation, but pathways of connection. They have proven that empathy and curiosity are the most powerful tools to erase the remoteness that geography imposes.

"China has become the second largest trading partner and the third largest source of investment for LAC countries, making contributions to local economic and social development and employment," Zhang Run, Director General of the Department of LAC Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry, said at the ceremony. 

"I hope you will use your lenses to show the people of Latin America and the Caribbean a real, multidimensional and comprehensive China, and objectively reflect and convey the friendly sentiments of the Chinese people toward the LAC people," he said.

Deepening understanding of China 

At the ceremony, the third Training Workshop for the Self-Media From LAC was also launched. Under this program, 36 outstanding content creators that won the awards, from 22 LAC countries, will receive a two-week training and also travel to multiple provinces and cities across China. Collectively, they have more than 120 million followers on social media platforms outside of China. 

"They will experience the profound heritage of ancient China at historical sites, feel the pulsating rhythm of an innovative China in modern enterprises, witness the vibrancy of everyday China in its streets and alleys, and spark emotional resonance through interactive exchanges," Zhang said.

"It's wonderful to be with people from the Caribbean and Latin America, and to see and learn more about Chinese culture. I truly love experiencing it. I can't wait to see what the rest of the two weeks will bring; but so far, it's been incredible collaborating with people from different cultures here in China," Jill Chen said.

"As an influencer and content creator, I am fortunate to share my journey with a community of more than 10 million followers around the world. And today I want to tell you that everything I experience here in China, I will share with them: your culture, your hospitality, your cuisine and your modernity, your technology, and the way you continue to overcome challenges every single day," Marco Junior Rejas Maviti, another Bolivian content creator, said at the ceremony.

"I strongly believe that although Bolivia and China may be far apart on the map, we share the same spirit: one of hard work, creativity and hope for a better future," he said.

"This kind of exchange strengthens our ties and brings us closer together beyond borders. I feel happy, proud and deeply grateful to be here, learning, sharing and growing alongside all of you," he added.

"This is our first chance to have such close contact with China," lifestyle bloggers Marina Rosa Silva and Michel Carvalho Icart told Beijing Review.

"Technology and ecology coexist in China—the combination of technological advancement and sustainable development. This is something Brazilians care deeply about," they said. Beijing, for example, has lush trees, abundant natural resources, as well as tall buildings, sound infrastructure and a sense of security.

"For us, seeing all of this firsthand is amazing—and this is just the beginning of our journey. We still have many places to explore," they said.

(Wei Mingxin and Zhang Xinyang also contributed to this story)  

(Print Edition Title: So Far, So Close) 

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson 

Comments to taoxing@cicgamericas.com