China, ASEAN urged to use digital economy as way to strengthen ties

China and countries that are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will seize opportunities created by the digital economy to strengthen media exchanges and enhance mutual understanding, with more communication and cooperation on public health and poverty elimination sectors, participants in a forum said.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, media professionals from China and ASEAN member states have played an important role in building consensus and inspiring people, providing a better environment for public opinion on regional development and global economic recovery, said Guo Weimin, vice-minister of the State Council Information Office of China.

"Holding the vision of a community with a shared future, Chinese and ASEAN media should promote the development of a global community of health for humanity and see the digital economy as an opportunity to further contribute to cooperation in economy and trade," he said while making a keynote speech at the 2020 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum on Friday in Beijing.