ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Highlights Regional Collaboration at 2026 Conferences
The Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Ali, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and cultural exchange during remarks at the 2026 Liaoning International Friendship Cities Conference and the 2026 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum, according to official statements from the ASEAN Main Portal.
Focus on Multilateral Engagement
At the Liaoning International Friendship Cities Conference, held in Dalian, China, Dato Paduka highlighted ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening ties with China through people-to-people connections and shared development goals. “Friendship cities serve as vital platforms for cross-border collaboration, fostering mutual understanding and economic integration,” he stated, as reported by the ASEAN Main Portal.
The event, which brought together representatives from 40+ cities across Asia, focused on sustainable urban development and digital innovation. Dato Paduka noted that ASEAN and China’s partnership has “grown significantly in recent years, with joint initiatives in infrastructure, education, and environmental sustainability.”
ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum Priorities
A separate address at the 2026 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum underscored the need for transparent and accurate reporting on regional issues. Dato Paduka called for “enhanced media dialogue to counter misinformation and promote a balanced narrative of ASEAN-China relations.” The forum, held in Nanning, China, featured discussions on media ethics, digital transformation, and the role of journalism in conflict resolution.
ASEAN’s media collaboration with China has expanded since the 2018 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Plan, which aimed to boost public awareness of shared regional challenges. The 2026 forum’s agenda included case studies on pandemic response and climate resilience, according to the ASEAN Main Portal.
Context and Implications
These events reflect ASEAN’s broader strategy to deepen ties with China, its largest trading partner, while balancing relationships with other regional actors. In 2023, ASEAN and China celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to the 2011 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Dato Paduka’s remarks align with ASEAN’s 2025 Vision, which prioritizes “inclusive growth and regional peace.” Analysts note that media cooperation is critical to maintaining trust, particularly amid geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 conferences are part of a series of high-level engagements between ASEAN and China, including the upcoming ASEAN-China Summit in 2024. While the specific outcomes of these events remain to be seen, their focus on collaboration and transparency signals a continued emphasis on multilateralism.
As ASEAN navigates a complex regional landscape, the role of cultural and media partnerships in shaping public perception will likely grow in significance.