Daily BriefAnalysis

Azerbaijani Version of Chinese State TV Feature on Xi Jinping Debuts in Baku

China Media Group marks its first Azerbaijani-dubbed program with a cultural feature broadcast on local television channels.

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Ilham Aliyev received credentials of incoming ambassador of China to Azerbaijan (2025) 03
Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

The Brief

A launch event was held in Baku for the Azerbaijani-language version of "Xi Jinping's Cultural Ties," a feature produced and translated by China Media Group. The program, which highlights Chinese President Xi Jinping's perspectives on cultural heritage and governance, was subsequently broadcast on Azerbaijan's state television cultural channel and commercial news outlet ARB24. Officials from both countries described the broadcast as a milestone in bilateral media cooperation and cultural exchange.

Why it matters

The broadcast marks the first time a China Media Group program translated into Azerbaijani has aired on mainstream television in Azerbaijan. It reflects Beijing's ongoing efforts to deepen public diplomacy and media collaboration in the South Caucasus.

China context

The production forms part of Beijing's broader international communication campaign to articulate Xi Jinping Thought on Culture and project China's governance concepts abroad, particularly among Belt and Road partner countries.

Editor's View

EDITOR'S VIEW — Analysis and inference, not factual reporting. By localizing state media content into Azerbaijani and securing airtime on both state-run and commercial broadcasters, Beijing is refining its external communication approach to reach broader audiences across the Caucasus beyond standard diplomatic channels.

What to watch

  • Reactions and viewership reception across Azerbaijani media platforms and public audiences
  • Future joint media productions or translation agreements between Chinese state broadcasters and Azerbaijani networks

Key Takeaways

  • 1China Media Group launched the Azerbaijani-language edition of "Xi Jinping's Cultural Ties" in Baku.
  • 2The documentary is CMG's first program translated and dubbed into Azerbaijani.
  • 3The feature aired on the Cultural Channel of Azerbaijan State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company and commercial channel ARB24.
  • 4Chinese Ambassador Lu Mei and Azerbaijani parliamentary cultural official Efendiyeva attended and spoke at the event.
A launch event for the Azerbaijani-language version of the television program "Xi Jinping's Cultural Ties" was held in Baku, marking the debut of China Media Group's first translated production in the language, according to reports published by Chinese state media. The feature highlights stories illustrating Chinese President Xi Jinping's emphasis on cultural preservation and development, framing his perspective that cultural vitality strengthens a nation. The program is designed to explain the cultural foundations of Xi's governance concepts and his ideological framework on culture to international audiences. Speaking at the launch event, Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei stated that the program's broadcast represents a step forward in bilateral media cooperation. Lu noted that the broadcast aims to help Azerbaijani viewers gain a deeper understanding of the core tenets of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture and the historical roots informing China's governance philosophy. Efendiyeva, deputy chair of the Cultural Committee of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, addressed the gathering, stating that Azerbaijan and China share long histories and a common commitment to the protection of cultural heritage. Efendiyeva highlighted the importance of broadcasting the program in Azerbaijan to foster mutual understanding. Following the launch event, the program was aired on the Cultural Channel of the Azerbaijan State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company as well as on Azerbaijan's ARB24 television network, introducing the translated content into the country's mainstream broadcasting rotation.