Full Breakdown
New Media Partnerships Shape Asia-Pacific Dialogue Ahead of the 2026 APEC Summit
9/6/2026, 8:04:04 AM
Core Event: Launch of Regional Media Partnerships in Shenzhen
Media representatives from across the Asia-Pacific gathered in Shenzhen for the opening of the Asia-Pacific Media Forum. The forum announced the creation of the Asia-Pacific Media Partnership Organising Committee and unveiled a slate of new collaborations focused on content, talent and technology. Sixteen founding organisations—including China’s *People’s Daily* and *Xinhua News Agency*, Russia’s *Tass* news agency and Vietnam’s *Vietnam News Agency*—joined the partnership. The South China Morning Post also signed a memorandum of understanding with Guangzhou-based Nanfang Media Group during the event.
Background & Context: APEC “China Year” and Regional Media Cooperation
The forum formed part of a series of events marking the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, designated the “China Year.” Sub-forums in other Guangdong cities preceded the Shenzhen gathering, underscoring a coordinated push to align media strategies with the broader economic summit.
Key Figures & Groups
- Li Shulei – Head of the publicity department of the Communist Party’s Central Committee.
- Huang Kunming – Communist Party chief of Guangdong province.
- People’s Daily, Xinhua News Agency, Tass, Vietnam News Agency – Founding members of the partnership committee.
- South China Morning Post – Signatory of an MOU with Nanfang Media Group.
- Nanfang Media Group – Guangzhou-based media organization partnering with the SCMP.
Official Statements & Responses
Huang Kunming highlighted Guangdong’s strong technological and economic foundation, noting that it could help media organisations expand the use of artificial intelligence through joint technology and software projects. The SCMP’s MOU with Nanfang Media Group was presented as a step toward deeper cooperation on content and digital innovation.
Impact and Outlook
The partnership committee plans to promote high-level dialogue, coordinated communication, technological innovation and practical cooperation among its members. By leveraging Guangdong’s AI capabilities and the combined reach of the founding organisations, the initiative aims to shape a more integrated media landscape that can more effectively cover and influence the upcoming APEC summit and broader regional discourse.
