2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Henan

The 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum was held in Luoyang, Henan province, on May 25.

The forum, co-hosted by China International Communications Group (CICG) and the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), was themed "Harnessing the Power of AI to Enhance Communication Cooperation in the Region."

Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech at the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

CICG President Du Zhanyuan said in his speech that the media, as a bridge connecting China with the world, is a vital force in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening friendship and mutual trust. Thus, Chinese and ASEAN media should uphold true multilateralism and jointly build a new global governance order. He said that CICG will maintain close collaboration with the ACC, as well as media outlets, think tanks, and cultural institutions across ASEAN countries to pioneer innovative initiatives and good practices in media and cultural exchange, striving to help build an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Jiang Ling, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Henan Provincial People's Congress and secretary of the Luoyang Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, delivers a speech at the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Jiang Ling, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Henan Provincial People's Congress and secretary of the Luoyang Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, said he hopes the forum would serve as an opportunity to better share the stories of Luoyang and Henan province, further strengthen people-to-people exchange and mutual learning between Henan province and ASEAN, and deepen economic and trade cooperation. 

Guo Weimin, president of China Public Relations Association (CPRA), delivers a speech at the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Guo Weimin, president of China Public Relations Association (CPRA), said in his speech that the media serves as both a witness and chronicler of China-ASEAN relations, while also acting as a participant and driving force behind their practical and mutually-beneficial cooperation. Facing the opportunities and challenges brought by AI, Chinese and ASEAN media should share opportunities and risks. He said CPRA stands ready to work with more domestic and international institutions as well as visionary individuals to embrace transformation and jointly advance cooperation in the media sector between China and ASEAN.

Kem Gunawadh, secretary of state at the Cambodia's Ministry of Information, delivers a speech at the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Kem Gunawadh, secretary of state at the Cambodia's Ministry of Information, said in his speech that the application of AI in the media sector represents an emerging field that must adhere to ethical principles to prevent the exacerbation of biases through AI misuse. He said Cambodia proposes the establishment of a shared ASEAN-China ethical guideline for AI applications in media, and supports capacity-building initiatives to train journalists, editors, and regulators in the responsible use of AI technologies to ensure accuracy, privacy protection, and transparency throughout the process.

Phan Tâm, deputy minister of culture, sports and tourism of Vietnam, delivers a speech at the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Phan Tâm, deputy minister of culture, sports and tourism of Vietnam, said that AI in journalism must undergo localized adaptation to support sustainable development and social information stability, and establishing AI-based verification mechanisms will help to build a secure, transparent, and socially beneficial media ecosystem. He said Vietnam is committed to collaborating with other ASEAN countries and China in fostering a technologically robust and ethically grounded media landscape— one that amplifies constructive voices in the global communication sphere.

San Lwin, deputy secretary-general of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, delivers a video address at the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

San Lwin, deputy secretary-general of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, said in a video address that AI is fundamentally reshaping our lifestyles. As comprehensive strategic partners, ASEAN and China must urgently strengthen cooperation— a critical imperative for jointly advancing technological and social progress and deepening mutual understanding. He said whether AI can be harnessed to build a safer, more resilient communication ecosystem and foster people-to-people connectivity ultimately depends on the depth of collaboration and the strength of mutual trust between China and ASEAN.

Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ACC, delivers a speech at the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ACC, said that AI represents a shared asset for all humanity and a global public good that should benefit every nation. ASEAN and China should actively explore and enhance cooperation in this field, leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to better tell stories of China-ASEAN friendship and collaboration, thereby injecting greater stability and positive energy into an increasingly uncertain world, Shi said.

Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), chairs the opening ceremony of the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

The Joint Initiative on Promoting ASEAN-China Media Ecosystem Governance through the Application of Artificial Intelligence Technologies is launched during the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

The Joint Initiative on Promoting ASEAN-China Media Ecosystem Governance through the Application of Artificial Intelligence Technologies was launched during the forum.

The Plan on ASEAN-China New Media Exchange Programme is launched during the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

The Plan on ASEAN-China New Media Exchange Programme was also launched, which is designed to advance media competencies across China and ASEAN countries.

Media professionals from China and ASEAN countries speak at a panel during the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

During a panel session, media professionals from China and ASEAN countries held deep discussions of ways to fortify defenses against disinformation as well as media evolution in the AI era.

Guests from China and ASEAN countries gather for a group photo at the 2025 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Luoyang, Henan province, May 25, 2025. [Photo/CICG]