BEIJING, Sept. 22 -- The Communist Party of China's publicity chief urged Chinese media to promote cooperation with neighboring countries as he visited the southwestern Yunnan Province, which borders Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar, on Monday and Tuesday.

Liu Qibao said media provide a crucial platform for cooperation between China and its neighbors, a particular focus with China developing the Belt and Road regional trade and infrastructure network.

Liu urged media to expand their channels of outbound communication, and to hold more dialogues with overseas media.

He also stressed the need for them to integrate traditional and new media if they are to reach foreign audiences.

Liu visited Yunnan Daily Press Group and Yunnan TV, among other outlets.