(Liaoning): ASEAN and China has launched two new initiatives aimed at deepening cultural exchange, digital cooperation and people-to-people ties, with Cambodia welcoming the programmes as a timely step towards strengthening regional connectivity.
The initiatives – the ASEAN-China Social Media Content Creators Programme and the 2026 ASEAN-China Youth Cultural Heritage Tour Series– were unveiled during the 2026 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum in Shenyang, Liaoning province, China on Tuesday.
It is designed to foster digital-age media ties, promote mutual understanding, and boost cooperation among youth and digital influencers across the region.
Speaking at the forum, Prak Thaveak Amida, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Information and Head of the Cambodian Senior Officials Responsible for Information, welcomed the launch of the social media creator’s programme.
“This initiative is timely and important, as digital content creators are becoming influential partners in public communication, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity,” he said.
He encouraged content creators to produce reliable, multilingual and culturally respectful content while helping to build stronger ties between ASEAN and China through responsible digital engagement.
Thaveak Amida said Cambodia stands ready to work closely with ASEAN member states, China, media institutions, think tanks and digital communication partners to advance practical cooperation and shared benefits across the region.
Held under the theme “Media Convergence for Shared Growth: Opening a New Chapter in the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the forum comes as ASEAN and China prepare to mark the 35th anniversary of their dialogue relations and the fifth anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2026.
President of the China International Communications Group (CICG) Chang Bo said media organisations play a unique role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people bonds.
He expressed hope that deeper media cooperation would create a favourable public opinion environment for ASEAN-China collaboration.
Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, described ASEAN-China relations as one of the world's most dynamic partnerships, noting that China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, while ASEAN has remained China's top trading partner for the past six years.
He underscored the importance of strengthening media cooperation as ASEAN and China mark the fifth anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations.
The forum also featured two round-table discussions on media social responsibility and innovation in the digital age. First launched in 2018, the ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum has evolved into a key platform for media exchange and collaboration between ASEAN and China.
The forum brought together media representatives and digital content creators from ASEAN member states and China, providing a platform to promote forward-looking journalism, strengthen mutual trust and understanding, and enhance people-to-people exchanges amid the rapidly evolving digital information landscape.
In addition, Thaveak Amida said the partnership has developed steadily over the years on the basis of mutual respect, good-neighbourliness and practical cooperation, while media collaboration has become an important pillar in strengthening mutual understanding, promoting cultural exchanges and raising public awareness of the benefits of ASEAN-China cooperation.
=FRESH NEWS
