With the China-US Sister Cities Conference kicking off in Hangzhou this week, hundreds of American delegates are converging with city leaders from the Chinese mainland. Among them is Hosea Chew, Baltimore City Council’s director of administration, on a mission to blend culture and innovation.
During a stroll through a bustling Hangzhou market, Chew pulled a traditional string instrument off the shelf at a souvenir shop. "I've been to the Chinese mainland about eight times, and each visit surprises me with something new," he told reporter Liu Mohan, eyes gleaming with excitement.
A veteran of the Baltimore-Xiamen sister city program, Chew is now set to showcase Baltimore’s vibrant startup scene, community-driven tech labs, and sustainable urban initiatives to counterparts in Hangzhou and Xiamen. The decade-old partnership between Baltimore and Xiamen has already sparked cultural festivals, student exchanges, and joint hackathons.
For young global citizens and business innovators tuning in, this conference represents more than ceremonial handshakes. It’s a live laboratory where cross-cultural collaborations can trigger everything from eco-urban planning projects to digital art exchanges. And for Chew, the instrument he buys today could become the centerpiece of a Baltimore-Hangzhou arts showcase tomorrow.
As the conference unfolds, all eyes will be on how these city alliances translate into real-world impact—driving economic growth, fueling startup ecosystems, and deepening friendships one melody at a time.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
