SHENYANG, China — A high-level Cambodian delegation arrived in China on Monday to participate in the 2026 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum. The delegation has pledged to strengthen regional communication and build joint defenses against disinformation amid a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The forum, which officially opened on Monday in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, is being held under the theme “Media Integration for Shared Growth: Opening a New Chapter of ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
The event has brought together approximately 150 high-level government officials, international organization representatives, media executives, and leading scholars from across China and ASEAN member states.
Cambodia Championing Information Integrity in the AI Era
The Cambodian delegation is led by H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida, Undersecretary of State and Cambodia’s ASEAN Senior Official Responsible for Information (SOMRI). Representing Information Minister H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Thaveak Amida is scheduled to deliver a key address at the opening ceremony focusing on the critical role of media cooperation in an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and shifting global information landscapes.
According to the Ministry of Information, Cambodia’s participation reinforces its commitment to responsible journalism within the ASEAN-China framework. Key areas of focus for the Cambodian delegation include:
- Combating Fake News: Sharing insights on institutional fact-checking and joint regional strategies to dismantle coordinated disinformation campaigns.
- Capacity Building: Developing programs to train regional journalists, editors, and regulators to handle digital integration safely.
- Information Integrity: Fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchanges while preserving cross-border communication security.
Marking Historical Milestones in Regional Relations
The 2026 forum holds significant historical weight, marking two major milestones in regional diplomacy:
- The 5th anniversary of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- The 35th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations.
Organizers emphasize that the gathering serves as a vital platform for professional networking, allowing regional media outlets to forge new collaborations and exchange strategies on digital transformation.
“The forum offers a vital opportunity to work alongside the ASEAN-China Centre and other partners to enhance sectoral cooperation and regional integration.” — Ministry of Information, Cambodia
Alignment with Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy
Beyond the primary high-level discussions, the Cambodian delegation will engage in a series of exchange programs with media institutions throughout Liaoning Province. These study tours will focus on modern media development, economic trends, cultural preservation, and strengthening people-to-people ties.
The Ministry of Information noted that these efforts directly align with the initial phase of the Royal Government of Cambodia’s “Pentagonal Strategy.” The national strategy highly prioritizes digital transformation, building robust institutional capacity, and elevating information quality across the region to ensure a secure digital future for its citizens.
