Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 538 Xinhua News Agency Talent Training Program

The concept of cognitive warfare was first proposed by Americans in the 90s. Of course, it is not an independent concept, but rather part of the US information warfare strategy.

Then, with the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war, the term "cognitive warfare" quickly spread around the world. Looking back, people realized that the United States had mastered the use of cognitive warfare. Through decades of cognitive warfare, they had established a tightly linked information network around the world, including nations, individuals, media, and public organizations.

By transmitting information intensively, the perceptions of decision-makers and the public in other countries are altered, thereby controlling their behavior—a practice commonly known as overseas colonization or ideological colonization.

Liu Yimin explained to Mu Qing the power of American cognitive warfare, which uses various means to portray the United States as an ideal country, while portraying its opponents as "demons," cultivating pro-American forces internally, and launching isolation attacks externally.

“Many writers participate in the US international training camp, which is part of the cognitive war. The reason for using the word 'war' is to illustrate the seriousness of this matter. This is a war without gunpowder,” Liu Yimin said.

Mu Qing frowned, his past experiences working in the media constantly flashing through his mind. Mu Qing joined the Eighth Route Army in Linfen, Shanxi Province at the age of 16, and began to show his talent on the literary and artistic front at the age of 17.

He first experienced the rectification and reform of the Liberation Daily in Yan'an, and 45 years later, he followed the advance team of Xinhua News Agency to the battlefield of the liberation of the motherland. He went to the Northeast first, and then followed the Fourth Field Army south. He is an old man in the newspaper industry.

"Yimin, what do you think of the importance of this war?" Mu Qing asked.

"This war is even more serious than border conflicts. It's a toxin that keeps invading the body. Of course, as the body grows stronger, it will gradually expel the toxin, but the residual effects are endless and it will take a long time to resolve. Toxin invasion is unavoidable. What we can do is reduce the amount of toxins and do our best to prevent them from having a place to thrive," Liu Yimin said.

Mu Qing agreed with Liu Yimin's statement, especially the phrase "the invasion of toxins is inevitable": "I have worked in the news agency for decades, and I know the power of the media. The media does not have a decisive power, but its long-term propaganda influences the minds and thoughts of readers. I have also been learning about foreign media recently, and the American media is too developed and too powerful."

The US economy can support such a massive media presence, while for our country to build its own communication and news networks and distribution channels abroad would require a long period of investment.

"Therefore, we should use our limited resources to do limited things, prioritizing domestic needs before international ones. As for lies, our media must expose them; the old man was right when he said that..."

Before Liu Yimin could finish speaking, Mu Qing interjected, "If we don't occupy the propaganda front, the enemy will."

"Haha, yes, that's exactly what I wanted to say."

"The old man is truly a strategist; he sees everything so clearly." Mu Qing said with a smile, then turned his gaze to Liu Yimin, looking him up and down, making no attempt to hide his deep admiration.

"As expected of people from Henan Province, you're really good!"

"I will learn from you!"

"Yimin, you're too modest. It's not easy for you to come out of Ruxian! Keep up the good work!" Mu Qing encouraged him.

The two got so engrossed in their conversation that they forgot the time and only realized it when someone knocked on the door to call them to a meeting.

Mu Qing stood up from the sofa and stretched, saying with a relaxed expression, "Wait a moment, we'll be right there."

Once the office door closed again, Mu Qing's expression returned to calm: "Yi Min, you didn't show this report to anyone else, did you?"

"No, it was all handwritten by me. No one else has ever seen it except me."

"It seems you have a plan. I'll report to the leader after the meeting." Mu Qing relaxed. Currently, academic exchanges with foreign countries are frequent, and the content of the report can easily spread both inside and outside the academic community.

Mu Qing felt this matter was important, and also hoped to secure more funding through the project to support the development of Xinhua News Agency's branches both domestically and internationally. Xinhua News Agency needed financial support to accelerate its overseas expansion.

Newspapers across the country began reforms to become self-sufficient, but the nature of Xinhua News Agency dictated that it could not be completely self-sufficient. Its overseas development projects could not be covered solely by advertising and news revenue.

Therefore, a two-pronged approach was adopted, combining government funding with business operations.

The higher authorities want to reduce the proportion of government funding allocated to advertising and increase the proportion of profits from advertising operations. For Xinhua News Agency, this funding issue is causing them considerable distress.

Mu Qing and Liu Yimin entered the conference room, and applause quickly followed. A group of graduate students breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Liu Yimin, as if drowning people had found a straw.

The presence of high-ranking officials from Xinhua News Agency sitting opposite them exerted considerable pressure. These officials appeared smiling and approachable, but they would occasionally throw out a tricky question, leaving them quite embarrassed.

Liu Yimin glanced at the students and asked with a smile, "What's wrong? Are you all acting like timid wives, being bullied?"

The graduate students hesitated to answer, but an expert from Xinhua News Agency chuckled and said, "Professor Liu, these young people you brought seem to know a lot about academic papers. Not bad."

“These are all the future of our country’s news front. Although I wasn’t their mentor, I did my best to train them.” Liu Yimin sat down and greeted each person opposite him.

Mu Qing waved his hand, quieting the room down, and gave a brief opening speech.

"Comrades, at the beginning of the year, we signed a research project with the Institute of Literature and Art, which was about Xinhua News Agency's overseas development and international communication. After a year of research, the Institute of Literature and Art successfully completed the project. Now, please welcome Professor Liu Yimin from the Institute of Literature and Art to give us a presentation on the project."

After Mu Qing finished speaking, he took the lead in applauding. Liu Yimin stood up and gave a detailed introduction to the project, then sat down to explain it to everyone.

"Comrades from Xinhua News Agency, on behalf of the research group of the Institute of Literature and Art, I would like to report to you. If you have any questions, please feel free to interrupt me at any time."

This project lasted for nearly a year, with a total of twelve people from the Institute of Literature and Art conducting the research. They collected more than a thousand pieces of domestic and foreign newspaper materials, more than ten interim papers, one final paper, and one final report.

"Please take a look at the final report first, and I will explain it to you in detail." Liu Yimin opened the final report.

While speaking, Liu Yimin frequently answered various questions. Mu Qing leaned back leisurely in his chair, listening to the discussion while taking notes of the key points.

“Professor Liu, we are not like the media in capitalist countries. We cannot speak irresponsibly and must pay attention to our image. Capitalist media are privately owned, and their statements do not require official endorsement and will not damage the credibility of the government.”

In his report, Liu Yimin wrote that the media should not avoid problems but should respond with a sharp counterattack. If the other party persists in their attacks, we should also persist in our attacks, using their own methods against them.

"Comrades, you still don't understand that this is a war without gunpowder. Everyone knows about Duke Xiang of Song. He was benevolent and righteous, but in the end, he only left history as a joke."

"Comrade Yimin, the failure of Duke Xiang of Song's benevolence and righteousness was not Duke Xiang's fault, nor was it the fault of benevolence and righteousness. The problem lies in the fact that everyone did not uphold benevolence and righteousness."

“Therefore, we should speak of benevolence and righteousness to the benevolent and righteous, and speak of inhumanity to the inhumane,” Liu Yimin said immediately.

Seeing that the other party still wanted to say something, Liu Yimin quickly said, "Comrade Deputy Director, you should know that not all media in the West are privately owned. The BBC in the UK is publicly owned, and VOA (Voice of America) in the US is under the Information Agency."

These media outlets present an image of impartiality in their reporting on their own country or Western affairs, but they smear other countries relentlessly.

Some media outlets tend to offer minor criticisms while providing substantial support regarding domestic affairs, effectively acting as the government's mouthpiece. However, we have explicitly stated that the media is the mouthpiece of the Party, the government, and the people.

Furthermore, there is a consensus among capitalist countries regarding socialism, and we cannot be too proud to admit it. Domestically, we must fulfill our media responsibilities; internationally, we must be a sharp sword. We must strive to clarify the waters they have muddied, and if we cannot, we should directly shift the blame onto them!
This may not sound very academic, but reality itself isn't 'academic'!

Liu Yimin actually understands most people's thoughts; their journalistic principles are already well-established, and most people have a sense of mission towards journalism. Another important point is that they've never fought this kind of battle with foreigners before.

I was never afraid during internal debates, but the thought of going out into the world inevitably made me feel apprehensive and short of breath.

Seeing that the argument was getting heated, Mu Qing spoke up: "Comrades, what Comrade Yimin just said may have sounded harsh, but it is indeed true. We are not always facing a group of well-behaved opponents. Just like in war, as long as we can kill the enemy, even stones and hoes are good weapons."

Liu Yimin offered suggestions from various perspectives, including the institutional development of external communication, the construction of news agencies, talent development, and methods of struggle.

We must improve Xinhua News Agency's overseas news channels, strengthen cooperation with foreign newspapers, and cultivate a group of young people skilled in international journalism.

“The journalists we send abroad for training are supposed to learn real skills. I’ve studied those training programs, and all they talk about is the ‘objectivity, fairness, democracy, and freedom’ of journalism. But they don’t talk about how they actually conduct news reporting, especially international news. What’s the use of learning all that?” “Comrade Yimin, if that’s what you’re saying, then going abroad for training is useless. What are we supposed to do then? Are we supposed to go to your institute for training?” Some people found Liu Yimin’s words too harsh.

"That's a good idea, and our institute would be very happy to do so if possible."

Upon hearing Liu Yimin's words, the other party was immediately speechless, and the atmosphere in the meeting room instantly became tense. Several graduate students from the Institute of Literature trembled, secretly thinking that the news agency had commissioned the Institute of Literature to conduct a research project—they were the client!
Mu Qing smiled wryly for a moment, then said calmly, “Comrades, this is an academic conference. We need to discuss the research content. Debates are normal, but comrades must also recognize the grim situation. If you go and walk among the young people, you will find out how inadequate our current work is.”

“Old Mu, we can’t always take the blame. There is an objective economic gap between us and the West, which is not something we journalists can change.”

"Yes, there are objective gaps, but we should play a role in encouraging and uniting people. Professor Liu has done a good job; 'Youth Night Talks' has reached deep into the youth community. In this respect, we should learn from the Institute of Literature."

The objective gap is a reason, but it cannot be an excuse. Mu Qing took this opportunity to criticize the bad habits within the news team, or the discouragement that comes with seeing the gap.

The meeting was still ongoing at noon, so Mu Qing took Liu Yimin and the others out for lunch, paying for it out of his own pocket.

During the meal, Mu Qing put aside his airs and had a good chat with these graduate students, asking them about their thoughts as young people and their views on their upcoming careers in journalism.

"President Mu asked everyone to relax and say whatever they want," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"Yes, speak freely. Professor Liu speaks freely. Today's meeting is attended by the highest-ranking people in the news field. If Professor Liu dares to speak, you should also dare to speak."

Meetings sometimes can't be all harmony; a little red-faced criticism and sweating is good. We must be brave enough to criticize ourselves and persist in self-reform!

Liu Yimin didn't interrupt, but listened to their exchange. After a year of research at the Institute of Literature, these students had undergone a baptism in their academic and intellectual development.

Mu Qing listened to the graduate students' speeches, occasionally revealing a smile of approval.

"Students, you all spoke very well. After you graduate with your master's degree, do you want to pursue academia or journalism? I suggest that you go out into practice to see for yourselves and truly put what you've learned into practice."

Some people present wanted to work, while others wanted to be teachers. Looking at the students who wanted to work, Mu Qing said, "You're all welcome to work for Xinhua News Agency after graduation."

What is BOSS Zhipin? This is the real BOSS Zhipin.

Liu Yimin glanced at the students and said, "Aren't you going to thank Old Mu?"

"Thank you!"

"Thank you!"

"You're welcome. Xinhua News Agency needs talented people like you!"

In the afternoon, Liu Yimin gave an in-depth explanation of the final thesis.

After lunch, the Xinhua News Agency staff read through the contents carefully, hoping to find loopholes and have a good debate with Liu Yimin.

"Professor Liu, some of your arguments aren't quite rigorous!"

“Research in this area is extremely rare in China, so it’s normal for it to be somewhat imprecise or lacking in rigor. Our research has progressed from imprecise to rigor, and we still need to continue our research.” Liu Yimin used a strategy of retreating to advance, implying that it’s incredibly easy to find fault with academic papers.

Seeing that Liu Yimin was playing coy and leaving himself room to maneuver, the other party's lips twitched, thinking to himself that this young man had a thick skin.

"So our 60,000 yuan was wasted?"

“Of course it’s not a waste of money, but research is a never-ending process. If you want to go from imperfect to perfect, you’ll still need to spend more money!” Liu Yimin smiled as he looked at Mu Qing.

Mu Qing's face darkened. They wanted money again!
"."

In the afternoon meeting, Mu Qing intentionally made the atmosphere more lively and relaxed. Everyone understood that the discussion was much less heated and focused more on constructive discussions of specific issues.

At six o'clock in the afternoon, the meeting was about to end, and everyone was chatting casually about everyday topics. Mu Qing looked at Liu Yimin and asked if he had anything else to say.

"I've been thinking about a reporting approach lately. I believe our media has a social responsibility. The media should not only raise questions, but also offer solutions. In the process of reporting negative news, we should respond with a positive attitude and help government departments solve problems."

Mu Qing found Liu Yimin's words interesting: "The old man said that we should focus on positive reporting, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't report negative things. It's about striking a balance. But it's hard to find the right balance. However, if we do it this way, we can expose the problems without making readers feel that society is full of problems."

"Journalists may offer solutions, but they often struggle to find the right balance, and it can easily become mere theoretical discussions," said a Xinhua News Agency expert.

"Therefore, we need to enhance the capabilities of journalists. When writing constructive reports, we must be attentive and not rush," Liu Yimin said.

The concept of constructive journalism was proposed in the West in the 21st century. News in the US and the West is mostly aimed at sales volume. The academic community wants to enhance the sense of responsibility of the US and Western news industry, but it has basically been of little use to them.

Oranges grown south of the Huai River are sweet oranges, while those grown north of the Huai River are bitter oranges. Liu Yimin felt this concept was perfect for China. And from then on, Liu Yimin would be the one to propose this concept.

After the meeting ended, Mu Qing didn't let Liu Yimin leave. Instead, he pulled Liu Yimin to his office to talk some more, but they talked about a different topic.

"Yimin, do you still remember what Lao Yu said to you when he was criticizing you—'Go to your institute for training'?"

"You wouldn't be?"

"No!" Mu Qing waved his hand and said, "What I mean is the opposite. Your Institute of Literature and Art has many professors in journalism, so naturally there are many students. How about we jointly train talents and make it a talent training base for Xinhua News Agency?"

"Your concept is quite advanced!" Liu Yimin said.

“I’ve seen some Western countries jointly build training centers, but they don’t accept all the people; they still have to select the best ones. Your research institute has all the faculty, and we can provide internship opportunities and eventually offer job positions. What do you think?” Mu Qing asked.

"What about the Mu Qing talent development program?" Liu Yimin asked.

Mu Qing looked at Liu Yimin: "You, you little rascal, how dare you tease me?"

"No, to be honest, many of your journalistic ideas have armed the minds of journalists in our country. I think it's perfectly fine to name it after you."

"Tsk, that's too high-profile, not appropriate, not appropriate." Mu Qing quickly waved his hand.

"I think it's quite suitable, but joint talent training is possible, but what about the funding?"

"Funding? Funding is not a problem," Mu Qing said with a smile.

"Also, should we continue researching this year's project? And what about that report?"

"You know, you're trying to sweet-talk me while asking me for funding. I get it now," Mu Qing said, tapping the table in feigned anger.

Liu Yimin chuckled: "I'm telling the truth."

"I think only the funding figures are true!"

(End of this chapter)