China's urban governance innovations took center stage this week as the documentary Hotline Beijing received international acclaim through screenings in Russia and Ethiopia. The film, which debuted in St. Petersburg on November 18 and Addis Ababa on November 21, showcases Beijing's 12345 public service hotline through seven real-life case studies.
Over 180 officials, academics, and cultural representatives attended the events organized by China Media Group (CMG). St. Petersburg delegates praised the hotline as "a practical solution combining Chinese wisdom with modern governance," while Ethiopian attendees highlighted its relevance to global urbanization challenges. Addis Ababa University President Samuel Kifle noted the documentary provides "actionable insights for balancing theory and practice in city management."
The film details how Beijing's municipal system addresses over 10 million annual public inquiries through its 24/7 hotline. International viewers particularly noted the system's commitment to treating all resident concerns equally, regardless of scale – from streetlight repairs to healthcare access.
With screenings planned in 12 additional countries through early 2026, Hotline Beijing continues China's push to share governance best practices under its "people-centered development" framework. The documentary is now available through CMG's global streaming platforms with multilingual subtitles.
