CRI – Voice of the South China Sea

 

In the intricate tapestry of international broadcasting, China Radio International’s (CRI) “Voice of the South China Sea” stands out as a beacon of multilingual communication, offering a unique perspective on the region’s dynamic socio-political landscape. This article delves into the broadcast's essence, exploring its significance in fostering understanding and cooperation among the nations bordering the South China Sea.

Voice of the South China Sea: A Multilingual Bridge of Communication

The South China Sea, a pivotal maritime crossroads, is not just a hub of global trade but also a melting pot of diverse cultures and languages. CRI, recognizing the region’s strategic importance, launched the “Voice of the South China Sea” in April 2013 to provide a platform for dialogue and exchange. The broadcast serves as a voice for China’s stance and initiatives in the area while also highlighting the cultural richness and environmental concerns of the surrounding nations.

Which Programs are on VoSCS

At its core, the program is a testament to CRI’s commitment to multilingualism. Offering content in Chinese, English, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Malay transcends linguistic barriers and reaches a broad audience. This linguistic diversity is crucial, as it ensures that the message resonates with listeners in their native tongues, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.

The “Voice of the South China Sea” is more than just a news outlet; it is an educational resource that provides insights into the geopolitical intricacies of the region. Through its broadcasts, CRI sheds light on topics such as maritime environmental protection, regional cooperation, and the economic development of the littoral states. It offers a Chinese perspective on these issues, contributing to a more nuanced global discourse.

Moreover, the program is a cultural bridge, showcasing the shared heritage and common challenges faced by the South China Sea basin countries. Documentaries and vlogs featured in the broadcast bring to life the stories of local communities, their traditions, and their aspirations. This humanizes the often abstract discussions about territorial disputes and economic zones, reminding listeners of the real people whose lives are intertwined with the sea.

How to listen

You can access CRI-Voice of the South China Sea on a range of platforms, including Shortwave, FM, and various streaming networks such as LyngSat Stream, Podcast Addict, and Google Podcasts. If you're in China, you can tune in to FM frequencies such as Sanya's FM89.1 (3 kW), Qionghai's FM102.0 (3 kW), and Sansha's FM101.0 (3 kW).

And on Shortwave

Time (UTC)	Language	Frequency (kHz)	Days	Area
0900-1000	Chinese	11895	daily	SEA
1200-1230	Filipino	11955, 17510	daily	SEA
1330-1430	Indonesian	9535, 11955	daily	SEA
1230-1330	Malay	11955, 13795	daily	SEA
1200-1300	Vietnamese	11640, 11720	daily	SEA

VoSCS is also available on Sina Weibo: 南海之声: TouTiao：南海之声 and Website: Chinese | English 

If you desire to communicate with VoSCS, you can send your letter to 16a, Shijingshan Rd, Beijing 100040, China, or email it to China Radio International.

The “Voice of the South China Sea” also plays a pivotal role in public diplomacy. In a region where geopolitical tensions can run high, the broadcast serves as a soft power tool, promoting China’s vision of a “community with a shared future.” It emphasizes collaboration over confrontation, presenting China’s activities in the region, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, as opportunities for joint prosperity rather than hegemonic expansion.

Endnote

In conclusion, CRI’s “Voice of the South China Sea” is a vital communication channel that enriches the media landscape with its multilingual approach and comprehensive coverage. It bridges the gap between nations, fosters mutual understanding, and contributes to the peaceful development of the South China Sea region. As listeners tune in from across the shores, the broadcast echoes the ancient mariner’s call for harmony upon the vast blue expanse, where every voice matters and every story counts.

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