The Kingdom launches regional initiative to combat fake news with Chinese support

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 13, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has launched a regional initiative to curb the spread of fake news, backed by Chinese funding under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework, officials said Thursday.

The project was unveiled on March 12 at a ceremony led by Information Minister Neth Pheaktra and Chen Cong, a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh.

The programme, implemented by the Ministry of Information, builds on Cambodia’s earlier “Say No to Fake News” campaign and expands into a regional framework involving Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar.

It is financed by a Chinese grant of about $270,000 and will run throughout 2026.
Prak Thav Amida, Undersecretary of State and project director, said the initiative aims to strengthen information security, counter misinformation, and promote access to reliable news sources across Lancang-Mekong member states.

Chen said the project would enhance cooperation among participating countries in responding to rumours and misinformation, adding that accurate information supports bilateral friendship and regional stability.

He noted that the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund has financed more than 100 projects in Cambodia over the past decade, including five with the Ministry of Information.

Minister Neth Pheaktra said the campaign aligns with Cambodia’s Information and Audiovisual Sector Development Strategic Plan for 2025–2026, which seeks to bolster peace and political stability through stronger media governance and information diplomacy.