ASEAN, China strengthen media cooperation

The ASEAN–China Media and Think Tank Forum, which was held in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur on April 11, served as a vital platform to discuss the power of media and the role of think tanks in further strengthening mutual understanding and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation, contributing to building a closer ASEAN–China community with a shared future.
Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof delivers an opening speech at the forum. (Photo: HONG HANH)
Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof delivers an opening speech at the forum. (Photo: HONG HANH)

Jointly organised by Xinhua News Agency and Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA), the event, themed “Strengthening ASEAN–China Cooperation”, brought together around 250 representatives from over 160 media organisations, think tanks, government departments and enterprises across China and all ten ASEAN countries.

In his keynote address at the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between ASEAN and China in addressing both regional and global challenges.

Expressing a desire to hear numerous insights from experts, he stated that the perspectives and contributions of delegates are essential in shaping the future of ASEAN-China relations, including ongoing engagement to address regional and global issues.

Editor-in-Chief of Xinhua News Agency Lyu Yansong speaks at the forum. (Photo: HONG HANH)

Editor-in-Chief of Xinhua News Agency Lyu Yansong speaks at the forum. (Photo: HONG HANH)

Highlighting the role of media and think tanks, Editor-in-Chief of Xinhua News Agency Lyu Yansong emphasised their importance in strengthening China–ASEAN cooperation by advocating win-win partnerships, enhancing people-to-people connectivity, and providing insightful policy recommendations.

Looking ahead, Lyu reaffirmed Xinhua’s commitment to working closely with ASEAN media and think tank partners to foster mutual trust and shared wisdom, while generating fresh momentum for building an even closer ASEAN–China Community with a shared future.

The programme features two plenary sessions covering major topics related to promoting civilisational exchange, harnessing the AI revolution, and seizing unprecedented opportunities, along with a panel discussion on ASEAN–China Connectivity and the Common Market.

The delegates attend the forum. (Photo: VNA)

The delegates attend the forum. (Photo: VNA)

Participants also discuss emerging media technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation as well as the need for transparency in journalism and efforts to counter the spread of misinformation and fake news across the region.

The ASEAN–China Media and Think Tank Forum coincides with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and its role as the country coordinator for ASEAN–China Dialogue Relations for the 2024–2027 period. It was also part of activities to mark the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2025.