MEDIA, THINK TANKS KEY TO ADVANCING CHINA-ASEAN COOPERATION: XINHUA CHIEF

By Linda Khoo Hui Li

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) -- Media and think tanks play a pivotal role in advancing China-ASEAN cooperation by advocating win-win partnerships, fostering closer people-to-people ties, and offering intellectual insights and policy recommendations, Editor-in-Chief of Xinhua News Agency (Xinhua), Lyu Yansong, said.

With bureaus in every ASEAN country, he said Xinhua has developed broad and multi-level collaborations with local media and think tanks across the region.

He noted that Xinhua also maintains long-term and close partnerships with key ASEAN institutions, including Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao, Thailand’s MCOT, Indonesia’s Centre for Strategic and International Studies, and Cambodia’s International Relations Institute of the Royal Academy. 

“Through platforms such as the World Media Summit, the “Global South” Media and Think Tank Forum, and the Belt and Road Studies Network, Xinhua works closely with its ASEAN counterparts to report on China-ASEAN cooperation in politics, economy, society, and culture. 

“We also engage in in-depth discussions on global and regional issues, as well as China-ASEAN development cooperation, contributing to the upgrading and expansion of bilateral collaboration,” he said when delivered his keynote address at the China-ASEAN Media and Think Tank Forum on Friday. 

The forum was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.  Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Secretary-General of the Communications Ministry Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa. 

Bernama’s Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj  were also present. 

Meanwhile, Lyu highlighted a newly released think tank report by Xinhua, titled Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Vision of the Maritime Silk Road: New Frontiers for China-ASEAN Cooperation, which underscores the progress of China-ASEAN cooperation driven by the RCEP and provides valuable insights for deepening bilateral collaboration.

He said the in-depth research explores development paths tailored to each country’s national conditions and promotes regionally inclusive, open, and mutually beneficial development.

“We believe that with joint efforts from China and ASEAN, the RCEP is set to further upgrade, while the prospects for pursuing high-quality Maritime Silk Road cooperation remain promising, injecting greater stability and more positive energy into regional development and the global economy. 

“Looking ahead, Xinhua is committed to working hand in hand with ASEAN media and think tank partners to foster mutual trust and shared wisdom, generating new momentum and fresh impetus for building an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future,” he said. 

Lyu said China and ASEAN should join hands to elevate media narratives, boost think tank research, embrace AI cooperation, and deepen people-to-people exchanges, paving the way for a shared future marked by peace, prosperity, and mutual understanding.

“Let's take this forum as an opportunity to build consensus, strengthen cooperation and work together for a shared future. 

“This forum is an opportunity to harness the unique role of media and think tanks in building a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home and together writing a new chapter in China-ASEAN media and think tank cooperation,” he said.

-- BERNAMA