NEWS RELEASE

Beijing, 24 Sept. – China has urged the media from ASEAN to work together in cooperation with their Chinese counterparts to better serve the public in providing quality information in an accurate and timely manner.

Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress, Li Peng, told a visiting delegation of 30 ASEAN media professionals of the increasingly important role they play in society.

The journalists and information ministry officials from the 10 member countries who participated at the inaugural China-ASEAN Media Cooperation Seminar in the Chinese capital, were encouraged by Mr. Li Peng to contribute to greater understanding among the peoples of the region, during a meeting with him today.

“It is through the media that the people express their expectations to the government and society,” said Mr. Li Peng. “Often, the government of various countries rely on media reports to help them in their planning of programmes.”

Mr. Li Peng said cooperation among the regional media will promote mutual assistance, but he pointed out that this does not mean that the ASEAN media must propagate China’s values and outlook to the world because they are unique to his country. The Chinese leader said his government is committed to the strengthening of friendship among regional countries and is seeking a common ground with its neighbours despite differences in ideology and religious beliefs.

Mr. Li Peng criticized the Western media for its dominance in the news scene and its often unflattering portrayal of China. He said the Western media, which are supporters of democracy, have professed to report with objectivity, but this was not the case during the 1991 Gulf War.

“CNN monopolized coverage of the war in the Gulf and the TV station turned a blind eye to the changes taking place in China,” said Mr. Li Peng. “Many Western media still portray China as a backward country, reporting with prejudice.”

The Chinese leader said the media in Asia can do a good job of reporting news with professionalism because they know the region much better.

Released by:

GERALDINE GOH

Senior Officer

Public Information

ASEAN SECRETARIAT representative at the Beijing meeting.

Jakarta contact:

Tel: (6221) 724-3372, 726-2991 ext 245

Fax: (6221) 739-8234, 724-3504

Email: geraldine@aseansec.org