On 12 May, 2018, the 1st ASEAN-China Forum held two sessions, “Media Development Trends in ASEAN and China” and “Role of Media in Building ASEAN-China Community with a Shared Future”, inviting in-depth discussion among journalists and representatives of media and business community from China and ASEAN countries.

In the session “Media Development Trends in ASEAN and China”, Ms. Nurul HafizahBinti Hj Awang Besar, Reporter of Borneo Bulletin Daily of Brunei Press Sdn Bhd, Mr. You Sambo, Reporter from Kanbujia Magazine, Cambodia, Mr. Atman Ahdiat, Manager of International Affairs Desk, Antara News Agency from Indonesia, Mr. Myint Zaw Aung, Chief Editor of 7 Day Daily Newspaper, Myanmar, Mr. Rector Mason, Reporter from Business Mirror of the Philippines, Mr. Ma Fengchun, President of World Affairs Press, Ms. Shen Xiaomeng, Deputy Director of the English Channel, China Global TV Network (CGTN), and Ms. Xiong Yan, Editorial Board Member and Director of International Communication Centre, Yunnan Daily Press Group, respectively briefed on history and development trend of the media organizations in their countries, as well as fields and direction of media cooperation between ASEAN and China.

Speakers all noted that at present, traditional media is facing tremendous challenges from rapid transformation of digital information technology and booming development of Internet and social media, while the new technology brings new opportunities for development and cooperation between media of both sides. The media practitioners should follow the trend with innovative and pioneering spirit so as to promote the development of all-media in the era of Internet, and further explore the potential of cooperation between the two sides. The speakers believed that ASEAN-China relations have become the most dynamic and fruitful one among ASEAN’s relations with its dialogue partners. Media plays a critical and active role in enhancing mutual trust and friendship and building a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future. Media of both sides should continue to advocate the concept of openness, inclusiveness, mutual benefit and win-win results, report in fair and objective manner, spread positive energy, fight against hype and fake news, and tell the story of friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the ASEAN countries.

In the session “Role of Media in Building ASEAN-China Community with a Shared Future”, Mr. Patithin Phetmeuangphuan, Journalist from Vientiane Times, Lao PDR, Mr. Chen Jiangang, Chairman of Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone Co., Ltd., Mr. Jiayee Tiong, Executive Director of Asia Times, Malaysia, Mr. An Xiaoyu, Director of No. 2 Asia Broadcasting Centre, China Radio International, Ms. Thanchanok Jongyotying, Senior Editor of International News, Spring News TV, Thailand, Mr. He Junfeng, Vice-President of China Communications Construction Company Limited (international), Ms. Do Le Ngoc Bich, Assistant Editor of Vietnam News Agency, and Mr. Chen Jiquan, President of Yalong Intelligent Equipment Group Co., Ltd., shared opinions on promoting media exchange and cooperation and enhancing cooperation between media and business community. The speakers believed that media cooperation should be based on consensus and mutual benefits and should focus on common development and share the outcomes of communication. All the speakers advocated to establish and expand news media networks, share the achievements of information technology development, and promote mutual understanding and broaden the scope of cooperation by conducting joint interviews & shooting and personnel exchange & training. Speakers from business community hoped that media of the two sides fully play the role of bridge by strengthening policy publicity and information guidance, dispelling misunderstanding and exploring successful cases in bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation, and promote useful experiences in bilateral cooperation which could be served as reference for deepening cooperation in the future.

The speakers had lively discussion at the forum and were active to share insights and opinions.