NDR and CGTN Air Joint Talk Show

In June 2017, the German public broadcaster NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk)  launched a joint talk show with CGTN (中國環球電視網), the English-language channel of China Central Television, to be aired twice a year. Called “Dialog mit China” (Dialogue with China), the hour-long programs featured NDR television chief Andreas Cichowicz and CGTN host Yang Rui (楊銳) co-moderating discussions on political and economic topics with guests from both countries. In June 2019, an episode recorded in Guangzhou focused on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development plans, German business investment in high-tech sectors, and “one country, two systems” governance, aired on the Television Station, creating backlash. Critics, including German lawmaker Margarete Bause said that the format avoided human rights violations, Hong Kong’s mass protests, and Tiananmen anniversary commemorations despite their contemporaneous relevance.