ASEAN, China Strengthen Media Cooperation Amid Digital Transformation

Shenyang, China – Media representatives, government officials and policymakers from ASEAN member states and China have called for deeper collaboration in digital innovation, fact-checking and people-to-people exchanges as the 2026 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum convened in Shenyang, Liaoning province, highlighting the growing role of media in advancing the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.The forum, themed “Media Convergence for Shared Growth: Opening a New Chapter in ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, was jointly organised by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and the China International Communications Group (CICG).

The event brought together around 150 representatives from governments, international organisations, media outlets and businesses from China and ASEAN member states, as well as diplomats based in Beijing.

Among those attending were CICG President Chang Bo; Liu Huiyan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Liaoning Provincial People’s Congress; and representatives of the ACC.

In his opening remarks, Chang said media organisations in China and ASEAN should strengthen openness and collaboration, deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and promote innovation to support the development of the regional digital economy.

Liu said Liaoning province, with its strategic location, industrial strengths and rich cultural heritage, was well positioned to serve as a platform for ASEAN-China media cooperation and broader regional collaboration.

Khammone Chanthachith, Deputy Head of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee’s Propaganda and Training Committee, highlighted the role of media cooperation in building trust among peoples and called for greater collaboration in content creation, professional training and knowledge-sharing to support sustainable regional development.

Representing Cambodia, Prak Thaveak Amida, Undersecretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Information, emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in information integrity, fact-checking and digital-age capacity building while promoting constructive and people-centred narratives.

ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Nararya S. Soeprapto described media cooperation as a key pillar of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and urged both sides to further deepen exchanges to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship.

Napasorn Bhuvaborirak, Director of the Information and Public Relations Division of the ACC, noted that rapid changes in the global information landscape require media organisations to embrace digital technologies, enhance content creation and strengthen platform cooperation.

The forum featured keynote speeches and roundtable discussions focusing on “Social Responsibility and the Media’s Mission in Our Times” and “Innovative Practice and Diverse Development in the Digital Age”, with media and business representatives sharing experiences and perspectives on the future of the industry.

During the opening ceremony, the ACC and CICG launched two new initiatives – the ASEAN-China Social Media Content Creators Programme and the 2026 ASEAN-China Youth Cultural Heritage Tour Series – aimed at expanding cultural exchanges and people-to-people connectivity through digital and traditional platforms.

Other activities held alongside the forum included the ASEAN-China Media Professionals Capacity Building Training Programme, the ASEAN-China Media Dialogue and an exhibition showcasing Liaoning’s intangible cultural heritage.

Participants also attended the opening of the 2026 Liaoning International Friendship Cities Conference and visited governance, technology, public service and cultural tourism projects in Shenyang and Dalian, where they explored opportunities for broader cooperation across multiple sectors.