AKP Phnom Penh, June 11, 2026 -- ASEAN and China have launched two major initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural exchange, digital cooperation, and people-to-people connectivity, marking a significant step forward in their growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The new programmes—the ASEAN-China Social Media Content Creators Programme and the 2026 ASEAN-China Youth Cultural Heritage Tour Series—were officially unveiled during the 2026 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum held in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.

Speaking at the forum, H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida, Undersecretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Information welcomed and stressed that those initiatives are both timely and important, noting that digital content creators have become influential partners in public communication, cultural exchange, and regional connectivity.

H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida emphasised the importance of producing reliable, multilingual, and culturally respectful content, encouraging content creators to contribute positively to strengthening ASEAN-China relations through responsible digital engagement.

H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida also reaffirmed the Cambodia’s commitment to working closely with ASEAN member states, China, media institutions, think tanks, and digital communication partners to advance practical cooperation and shared prosperity across the region.

During the event, Mr. Chang Bo, President of the China International Communications Group (CICG), highlighted the vital role of media organisations in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties. He expressed confidence that deeper media cooperation would help create a positive public opinion environment that supports broader ASEAN-China collaboration.

As ASEAN and China continue to deepen their cooperation, media collaboration remains a key pillar of the partnership, helping to strengthen cultural understanding, increase public awareness of regional cooperation, and build stronger connections among the peoples of ASEAN and China.

By Heng Panha