BEIJING, Sept. 7 -- Leaders of almost 30 major media organizations from China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) gathered in Beijing Thursday to discuss the media's role in boosting bilateral ties.

Participants of the 9th China-ROK Media High-level Dialogue agreed that news outlets of the two countries should increase exchange and cooperation, avoid unbalanced, irresponsible coverage about each other, and promote communication between young people.

Media dialogue has become even more important as bilateral relations have been affected by the United States' deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system in the ROK, they noted.

Launched in 2009, the event is held once a year, with the location rotating between China and the ROK. It is aimed at promoting in-depth discussions on issues of common concern, and strengthening mutual trust and cooperation.

This year's dialogue was hosted by China's State Council Information Office and the ROK's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Jiang Jianguo, deputy head of Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the State Council Information Office, attended the dialogue.