Second, we should further enhance the quality and effectiveness of media exchange and communication. In recent years, the media of all East Asian nations have carried out a variety of exchange and cooperation programs at different levels through diversified methods. Thanks to closer high-level contacts of mainstream media, frequent exchanges of journalism professionals and various media forums, symposiums and seminars, peoples of different countries within the region are developing a deeper understanding of one another. The positive change in regional relations has provided the media with a wider cooperation platform, offered more opportunities and imposed a new requirement for them to develop to a higher level. In this situation, we should work to diversify media exchange and cooperation methods, intensify the flow of news information and programs of different media and raise the quantity and quality of these activities. We should set up a mechanism to carry out regular media exchange and cooperation activities in different forms, vigorously launch exchange and training programs for journalism professionals, expand media coverage and enrich news information. We should stick to the journalism principle of truthfulness, objectivity and impartiality, help people in the region know more about economic and social developments and policies of other countries, explore and discover opportunities for regional cooperation in political, economic, trade and cultural fields, and help bring about a better and faster development of East Asia.

Third, we should pay more attention to the exchange of new media and share useful experiences on their development and management. The Internet and other new media now have a heavy and wide influence on economic, political, cultural and social issues around the world. They are playing an increasingly important role in disseminating news to the public. They have become a major tool for people to acquire information. In China, new media will continue to see robust development and a bright future. They satisfy people's demands for diversified information services. According to statistics, by the end of last year more than 300 million people in China had micro blogs, nearly 350 million people were using cell phones to surf the Web, and more than 500 million people had access to the Internet. The Chinese government is fully aware of the importance of the Internet and other new forms of media. We have worked hard to support the development and spread of new media. A series of policies have been formulated in this regard. Enormous investments have been made to build basic infrastructure for new media. High priority has been given to boosting the exchange and cooperation between Chinese new media and their counterparts throughout the world. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with other countries in East Asia, share precious opportunities with other East Asian countries to develop the Internet and other forms of new media, address the many effects new media has laid on social development and build the Internet and other forms of new media into a platform for promoting national development and improving regional relations.

Fourth, East Asian media should strive to have a stronger say on the international stage. In the course of domestic development and international communication, East Asian countries are confronted with the same or similar tasks, pressures and challenges. We must grasp the tendency of regional cooperation, report regional issues from a local point-of-view and try to have a stronger say on the international stage. At the same time, we should keep our minds open, intensify our communication and cooperation with mainstream media from other regions, help people in the other parts of the world have a better understanding of our region through means such as high-level visits, person-to-person exchange, media cooperation and joint sponsorship of activities. We need to ensure that reports on our region are objective and accurate, and strive to foster an environment beneficial to the development of East Asia.

The State Council Information Office of China is a government organ responsible for media issues. We will make consistent efforts to promote media cooperation in East Asia, further improve the contact between media from China and other parts of the region, continuously explore cooperation opportunities in news production, dissemination and marketing, strive to help all regional countries' citizens have a better knowledge of the history, culture and current development of East Asian nations, and lay a solid foundation in society and public opinion for maintaining friendly relations between China and other East Asian countries. The State Council Information Office of China is pleased to cooperate with relative departments of other governments, enhance our mutual trust, deepen our cooperation and take part in safeguarding the common interests of East Asia and promoting a peaceful, steady and prosperous development of the region.

Before finishing my speech, please allow me to send my best wishes to the success of the conference.

Thank you!