Forum held to boost media exchange between China, ASEAN

The 2023 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum was held on Monday in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, bringing together government officials, diplomats, and media professionals to exchange views on deepening media cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The 2023 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum is held in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 12, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at the 2023 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum, in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 12, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

In his speech, Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), said this forum is a concrete step for implementing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and that it is of great significance for sharing development experience and promoting communication and cooperation.

Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Centre, speaks at the 2023 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 12, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Centre, stressed that the increasingly close China-ASEAN relationship has become a stabilizer, ballast, and propeller for the region and even the world, setting a good example for international cooperation and common development.

Myanmar Ambassador to China Tin Maung Swe speaks at the 2023 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 12, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Myanmar Ambassador to China Tin Maung Swe encouraged the media in ASEAN countries to tell more wonderful stories of win-win cooperation between China and ASEAN, promoting policy communication and strategic alignment between the two sides.

Gao Anming, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), presides over the opening ceremony of the 2023 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 12, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

The forum included two separate panel discussion sessions on "upgraded connectivity though high-quality communication" and "better business cooperation through digitalization." Journalists from nearly 20 media outlets from China and ASEAN countries joined the panel to share their views.

Themed "Better Connectivity and Cooperation towards Common Prosperity," this year's event was hosted by CICG, the ASEAN-China Centre, as well as the Information Office and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Zhejiang Province.

The host city Wenzhou is a pioneering city in China's opening-up and an important hub on the Maritime Silk Road. Zhang Zhenfeng, mayor of Wenzhou, pointed out in the opening speech that, under the Belt and Road Initiative and the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, Wenzhou and ASEAN countries have engaged in extensive and in-depth cooperation in various fields such as the economy, culture, and technology.

More than 150 guests, including government officials, diplomats from ASEAN countries, and media professionals, attended the event.