Media cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is conducive to the mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples, as well as the all-round development of China-ASEAN relations.

Li Peng, chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remark here Tuesday during a meeting with ASEAN delegates attending the China-ASEAN Media Cooperation Seminar.

News media play a vital role in the present information society, Li said, noting such a high level and large-scale media seminar between the two sides could be a good start for future regular exchanges in this regard.

International media should objectively reflect the real situation in different regions as well as the opinions of different countries, he said, calling for still more ties and closer coordination between the Chinese and ASEAN media for a louder Asian voice in the international arena.

As developing countries in Asia, China and ASEAN nations should strengthen friendly cooperation on the basis of seeking common ground while preserving differences, he said, noting that every country should choose its own social system and pattern of development according to its own specific national conditions.

Wahid Supriyadi, head of the ASEAN delegation attending the seminar, said that cooperation between ASEAN and Chinese media should be further strengthened, in a bid to maintain a good Asian image through consenting voices.

Moreover, he expressed his hope for such seminars to be held regularly.

(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2002)