The China-ASEAN Media Cooperation Forum 2023 was held in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province on June 11-12. The event was co-hosted by China International Communications Group (CICG), ASEAN-China Centre (AAC), and Zhejiang Provincial Government, under the theme “Better Connectivity and Cooperation towards Common Prosperity.” Zhang Lirong, secretary general of China Forum under Tsinghua University’s Center for International Security and Strategy, gave a keynote speech.

Moderated by CICG Vice President Gao Anming, the opening ceremony featured Zhang Zhenfeng, mayor of Wenzhou; Du Zhanyuan, president of CICG; Shi Zhongjun, secretary general of ACC; Chen Zhi, member of the editorial board of People’s Daily; U Tin Maung Swe, ambassador of Myanmar to China; Yu Hanyin, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee; and Ekkaphab Phanthavong, deputy secretary-general of ASEAN.

The interdependence and win-win cooperation between ASEAN and China are growing and thriving amid geopolitical tensions and meagre recovery worldwide, said Zhang Lirong. Despite some countries’ attempts to alienate them, China and ASEAN countries still share the common aspirations of safeguarding regional peace and stability and promoting economic development and cooperation. Think tanks and media can play an active role in informing governments, steering local public opinion, and forging a stronger voice for Asia.

China Forum is committed to working with more Chinese and international partners to create a better narrative environment for ASEAN-China cooperation, said Zhang.