Asian media representatives have praised the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping as a timely and constructive response to address today's complex international challenges.

They said more open and inclusive approaches featuring peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity should be encouraged among the Global South countries to foster solidarity and collaboration.

They made the remarks at the South and Southeast Asian Media Network Annual Meeting in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Friday.

Xi proposed the initiative at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" meeting in Tianjin on Monday and urged nations to uphold sovereign equality, abide by the international rule of law, practice multilateralism, advocate a people-centered approach and focus on taking concrete actions.

"As a highland for global cooperation and development, Asia stands at a new starting point toward achieving comprehensive revitalization. It is significant for members of the media network to effectively communicate and interpret the GGI to their domestic audiences, thereby transforming it into a collective action for promoting world peace and development," said Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, at the opening session of the media gathering in Kunming.

The meeting gathered more than 140 officials and senior media participants from 11 countries.

Qu urged network members to conduct joint interviews, coproductions and content exchanges on topics including modernization, global and regional governance, as well as international cooperation. He also called for innovative collaboration to enhance Asia's voice globally, contributing to world peace and development.

The GGI was praised by delegates from South and Southeast Asia countries.

"Global governance emphasizes multilateralism and advocates for an equal and orderly multipolar world, and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Such values are widely recognized by the Global South," said Chhean Leang, secretary of state at Cambodia's Ministry of Information.

He said China and Cambodia enjoy a long-term friendship and close partnership, noting that the two countries' relations exemplify how mutual respect, noninterference and win-win cooperation can lead to enduring peace and regional stability.

"The network, engaging with media representatives from the Global South, should provide more open and inclusive approaches featuring peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity to foster solidarity and collaboration. As the world is facing strong turbulence and geopolitical risks, we can have a better future with collaborative efforts," he said.

Indrananda Abeysekera, founder and chairman of the Organization for South Asian Regional Friendship and Cooperation with China in Sri Lanka, said the GGI emphasizes peace and equality, which has been illustrated perfectly by Chinese history and culture, which values "unity with diversity and harmony amid difference" — a principle also appreciated by people in Sri Lanka.

"About 600 years ago, Chinese explorer Zheng He led the world's largest fleet on seven voyages to the West, bringing the Chinese concept of tolerance and respect for diversity to the world. The media now also serves as navigators between cultures and thoughts," he said.

Abeysekera also emphasized that in the face of global changes, pursuing modernization and working for a more just and equitable international order are the sacred historic missions of Global South countries and the common issues of the times for Global South media.

Soy Sopheap, founder of DAP Media Center in Cambodia, said media alliances and regional cooperation play vital roles in promoting collaboration within the region and strengthening friendship among peoples.

"Fair and multilateral governance is important as conflicts and misunderstandings now happen more frequently and the media should shoulder their responsibility to bridge the perception gaps. Media should make joint efforts on information exchange, boosting mutual understanding and building trust among nations," he said.

Yan Yujie contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn