Media affirm need for mutual understanding

Mainstream media from China and the Republic of Korea should enhance exchanges and practical cooperation and promote mutual understanding and positive developments in bilateral ties, media representatives from both nations said on Thursday.

Representatives from around 30 media organizations from both nations attended the Ninth China-ROK Media High-Level Dialogue in Beijing on Thursday.

Peaceful and friendly development has been the main trend in the 25 years of Sino-ROK diplomatic relations since 1992. However, the ROK’s recent deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system has complicated this bond, according to the dialogue’s news release.

As a result, both sides agree media exchanges are now more important than ever. The media should report calmly and objectively, promote mutual trust and understanding, and create a favorable environment for further cooperation in various other fields.

At the same time, media outlets should avoid biased, inflammatory and irresponsible reporting, and try to enhance cultural and youth exchanges to help improve bilateral relations, they said.

Media from both countries should strengthen practical cooperation because it is the source of vitality for media exchanges, they said.

Launched in 2009, the China-South Korea Media Highlevel Dialogue is held once a year, with China and South Korea rotating as host.

It is aimed at promoting in-depth discussions on issues of common concern, strengthening mutual trust and cooperation and creating a harmonious opinion atmosphere for deepening the strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations’ media.