"The willing from both sides is essential," Director of China International Publishing Goup Digital Media Center Chen Shi said on a media gathering with Chinese and ASEAN journalists here on Tuesday (Oct. 25).
Fifteen ASEAN journalists, who were invited to visit China during a program of China-ASEAN Media Journey on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road 2016, organized by the China Report and ASEAN-China Center (ACC), met with around 20 local journalist in Kunming to share their view on journalism issues within the regions.
"We have to cover more both side to promote the relationship of the two regions. I believe the cooperation in both sides of the media organizations will play important part in promoting the One Belt One Road to benefit both ASEAN countries and China," Myanmar journalist Khamphone Syvongxay said.
The exclusive policy of China on social media became one of the topic of the discussion among the journalists.
The Chinese Government has been blocking social media such as Facebook and Twitter and other websites considered sensitive for the countrys national security.
Several Chinese journalists supported the Chinese Governments policy as a measure to censor stories or content considered to have ability to spread rumours in the nation.
"Because nowadays, for Chinese people is hard to tell which is true and which one is not," a local journalist said.
However, local media in China, such as in Yunnan Province is now trying to reach more audience to provide them information and promote the region.
"We want to have more access to foreign readers and we are now focusing on audience of neighboring countries," local journalist of Yunnan Province Eric Wang said.
Meanwhile, Director of Information and PR Division of ASEAN-China Center Vithit Powattanasuk said that information exchange is essential to the success of the 21st Maritime Silk Road innitiative proposed by the Government of China.
The Maritime Silk Road of the 21st century is expected to further unite and expand common interests between China and ASEAN countries as well as other countries situated along the route.
"We are trying to connect each other and we need to find a better platform," Vithit said adding that one of the way to do it is through social media.
Previously on Monday during the Silk Road Media Media Cooperation Forum in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, Secretary General of ACC Yang Xiuping stated that media plays crucial role in being a bridge in facilitating cross-cultural exchange.
"I hope that both ASEAN and Chinese media will recognize your important role on this regard and build on the good work together, help shape a favorable media environment, and raise more public awareness so as to support the enhancement of ASEAN-China relations," Yang said. ***2***
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(T.A059/A/A059/B003) 26-10-2016 00:13:35
Reporter: Aditya E.S. Wicaksono
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
