On the evening of September 11, Shi Xiantao, an editorial board member of Reference News and former chief correspondent for Xinhua News Agency in Kabul, was invited to speak at the 2024 "Gratitude to Mentors, Walking Together" public lecture. This lecture also marked the 85th session of the NEFU Cultural Lecture Series. His talk, titled "Understanding the World and China through Reference News," aimed to help over a thousand students and faculty members at NEFU gain a clearer understand global events, broaden their international perspectives, and deepen their patriotic spirit.

During the lecture, Mr. Shi explained that Reference News, an authoritative international newspaper, carefully selects the latest news and opinions from around the world daily. Its comprehensive and multi-faceted international and domestic news coverage offers readers a valuable window into global affairs. Drawing from various angles—including international politics, economics, and culture—Mr. Shi analyzed the complexities of global issues, emphasizing the importance of expanding one’s international perspective in today’s globalized world. He pointed out that following international news is not only essential for staying informed but also crucial for enhancing one’s global outlook.

Mr. Shi also shared his experiences and reflections as a foreign correspondent in Afghanistan. He described the intense atmosphere of war and the suffering of the local population. Despite being in dangerous situations, he felt a profound responsibility as a journalist to bring the actual situation in Afghanistan to the outside world's attention.

During the interactive session, students actively participated by asking questions such as, "How can we extract valuable information from Reference News?" and "How can we effectively tell China's story through international news?" Mr. Shi patiently addressed their queries, encouraging them to actively learn from international news and turn their broadened perspectives into a personal competitive edge, fostering a sense of engagement in the audience.

After the lecture, students said they had gained much from Mr. Shi's insights. His talk enhanced their global perspective and news literacy and sparked a stronger sense of awareness about national affairs and a greater understanding of responsibility for their generation. The profound impact of Mr. Shi's talk on the students is a testament to the inspiration it instilled in them, encouraging them to take action and contribute to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.