SHENYANG, China — Leaders from media, government, and the digital content sector across Southeast Asia and China gathered in Shenyang on June 9 for the 2026 Asean-China Media Cooperation Forum. The event, held under the theme “Media Convergence for Shared Growth: Opening a New Chapter in Asean-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” brought together over 150 delegates to address the challenges of an evolving global information landscape. As the forum celebrated the 35th anniversary of Asean-China dialogue relations, speakers underscored the growing urgency of fostering regional solidarity to combat the rising tide of cross-border disinformation in the age of artificial intelligence.
Organized by the China International Communications Group (CICG) and the Asean-China Centre (ACC), the forum emphasized the dual need for technological innovation and the preservation of public trust. Cambodia’s Undersecretary of State for the Ministry of Information, Prak Thaveak Amida, proposed a robust regional agenda, calling for the establishment of cross-border frameworks to share fact-checking resources and provide early warnings against misinformation. This strategy also includes comprehensive capacity building to ensure content creators are equipped with the skills for the ethical application of AI, alongside a shift toward human-centered storytelling that highlights regional progress in green innovation and cultural exchange.
CICG president Chang Bo aligned these goals with the Asean Digital Master Plan 2025, noting that China’s rapid digital transformation provides a blueprint for the region to modernize its media infrastructure. This technological synergy is reinforced by deep-seated economic ties, with China remaining Asean’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, while Asean has solidified its position as China’s top trading partner for the last six. Despite this economic gravity, officials like Asean Deputy Secretary General Nararya Soeprapto stressed that regional cooperation must be built upon the foundation of people-to-people connectivity, with media serving as the vital conduit for understanding and shared identity.
To bridge the generational gap, the forum launched two flagship initiatives: the Asean-China Social Media Content Creators Programme and the 2026 Asean-China Youth Cultural Heritage Tour Series. By tapping into the influence of digital creators, the organizers aim to reach younger audiences and promote nuanced perspectives on technological integration. Filipino content creator Buji Babiera, representing the new wave of influencers, highlighted the importance of using digital platforms to demonstrate that AI, when utilized proficiently, can be a tool for productive collaboration rather than a source of discord.
The formal sessions were punctuated by roundtable dialogues focused on “Social Responsibility and the Media’s Mission,” where participants formally pledged to improve the global media ecosystem while respecting the unique cultural perspectives of individual nations. This collaborative spirit was further reflected in practical outcomes, including the Asean-China Media Professionals Capacity Building Training Program and an exhibition showcasing the cultural heritage of Liaoning Province. These initiatives are designed to turn policy discussions into tangible media practices that strengthen the bonds between China and Southeast Asian nations.
The forum concluded with a series of investigative field trips, as the international delegation traveled to industrial centers in Shenyang and Dalian to observe municipal governance, scientific hubs, and burgeoning tourism projects. By connecting these local experiences with the broader regional themes of the conference, the organizers successfully framed the 2026 forum as a turning point for media integration. As the delegates departed, the consensus remained clear: only through collective responsibility and a shared commitment to digital integrity can the Asean-China partnership successfully navigate the complexities of the modern information era.
