BEIJING, China, Oct. 20 -- Liberia's development challenges are well documented, from poor road connectivity and limited economic opportunities to inadequate public services and persistent difficulties attracting investment. But what if journalism could do more than expose these problems? What if it could also identify practical solutions, encourage institutional responses and showcase the country's untapped potential?

By Willie N. Tokpah

That question is at the center of a two-week international communication seminar bringing together 23 Liberian journalists in China to examine how constructive journalism, public diplomacy and development storytelling could contribute to national progress.

Sponsored by China's Ministry of Commerce at ...