The 3rd China-Australia Media Forum kicks off in Sydney

The 3rd China-Australia Media Forum kicked off here on Monday with the attendance of officials from China, Australia and mainstream media representatives.

The forum, co-hosted by China's State Council Information Office and Australian News Channel Pty Ltd, will focus on "Media' s Role in Promoting China-Australia Relations"this year.

Cai Mingzhao, minister for China's State Council Information Office, said in the opening ceremony that China-Australia ties is one of the most important relationships in the Asia-Pacific region and media is the tie for promoting the mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.

Cai also advised on three aspects for the development of media. First, to continue to improve the mechanism of media exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, second, to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the field of emerging media such as the Internet, and third, to give positive energy to the bilateral relations.

Chinese Ambassador to Australia Ma Zhaoxu said the scale of communication and mutual understanding between China and Australia is unprecedented now. But differences remain. Thus, media shoulder the responsibility in promoting bilateral relations.

Ma hopes that Chinese and Australian media will continue to play a constructive role in the process and strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and to set up a mature and rational public opinion environment in order to truly reflect the two countries.

Paul Fletcher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications said the Forum gives a great opportunity to exchange and share views from both countries.

Media play a more and more critical role in the growing bilateral relations.

Fletcher hopes the media from China and Australia work more closely in the future to further promote Sino-Australia ties.

During the sessions, about 50 attendees have discussed topics including the role of media in bilateral relations, how to build media exchange between Chinese and Australian media organizations, how new media models are affecting traditional media and the impact of technology on journalism.

The forum has been held twice, first in Sydney in 2006, and second in China's Guangzhou in 2012 to provide an important platform to promote mutual understanding of media's role in China- Australia relations.