ASEAN, China announce media network to boost collaboration

The secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), Shi Zhongjun, said the renewed commitment will foster closer ties between both parties.

He said the media acts as a connecting bridge to further enhance friendship and pragmatic cooperation between the 10 ASEAN countries and China.

Therefore, he said ACC, co-founded by all 10 ASEAN nations and China, partnered with the China International Communications Group (CICG) - a comprehensive and professional foreign language publishing organisation - launched the ASEAN-China Initiatives on "Jointly Promoting People-to-People Exchanges Through Media Cooperation" during the ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum in Dezhou city, Shandong Province, on June 21.

Among others, Shi said the initiatives include establishing an ASEAN-China media cooperation network.

"There is currently no existing network that connects all 11 countries (ASEAN and China). ACC and CICG aim to establish a network facilitating regular exchanges among media outlets from all 11 nations and promoting the sharing of news reports and information.

"We hope to establish a media cooperation network within this year," he said in an interview recently.

Shi said the network will serve as a platform for fostering regular interaction between media through frequent meetings and collaborative activities. The media from both regions will have more opportunities to connect, exchange views, and explore potential cooperation, he added.

Meanwhile, Shi urged the media from ASEAN and China to actively share stories of friendship, cooperation and development between the two sides.

"As crucial carriers for people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding, ASEAN and China's media should continue to play the role of bridge and window.

"They should explore more moving stories of friendship, promote ASEAN-China traditional amity, and enhance mutual understanding among the peoples from both sides through more extensive and in-depth media exchanges and cooperation," he said during the ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum recently.

Shi said the media outlets need to leverage their complementary strengths and focus on topics of mutual interest, such as green development, the digital economy, governance and poverty reduction.

He urged the media to take on the responsibility of promoting the successful story of ASEAN-China's win-win cooperation to the international community.

"This collaboration can generate positive energy for regional development and showcase the collective confidence of both regions in achieving peaceful and sustainable development."

Meanwhile, Shi also invited the media from ASEAN and China to join the Network of ACC Media Partners (NAMP).

The NAMP, an initiative by ACC, offers a range of exciting opportunities for media partners, including participation in ACC's flagship events, such as the annual ASEAN-China Week and Media Cooperation Forum. It will also facilitate insightful familiarisation trips, allowing the media to explore China and ASEAN through journeys that foster a deeper understanding.

--BERNAMA