The recent U.S.-China Sister Cities Summit in Tacoma marked a significant milestone in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng highlighted the pivotal role of sister provinces, states, and cities in bridging cultures and building trust.
Speaking via video at the summit, Xie emphasized that the sister city relationships have nurtured goodwill and injected vigor into China-U.S. relations. \"The China-U.S. relationship is still facing grave challenges. We need to pool strength from all to get the relationship better,\" he stated.
This summit is particularly noteworthy as it is the first comprehensive event on China-U.S. subnational exchanges held in the United States in five years. It also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the first China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference and the 30th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Tacoma and Fuzhou.
U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns praised the impact of sister cities, noting their role in spurring investment, expanding educational and cultural exchanges, and enhancing tourism. He expressed optimism about the growing number of Americans and Chinese gathering in Tacoma to strengthen people-to-people connections.
Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, echoed these sentiments, describing sister cities as crucial platforms for promoting friendship and cooperation. He called for increased visits, contacts, and exchanges to deepen mutual trust and friendship.
Victoria Woodards, mayor of Tacoma, highlighted the enduring bond between Tacoma and Fuzhou, celebrating 30 years of sister-city ties. She expressed confidence that continued collaboration would lead to a bright and prosperous future for both communities.
The summit, themed \"Shared Visions for a Brighter Future,\" brought together over 140 representatives from 14 Chinese provinces and more than 100 representatives from 21 U.S. states. Co-sponsored by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Sister Cities International, the event explored shared opportunities and addressed common challenges affecting communities in both nations.
With 286 sister relationships established since diplomatic relations were founded in 1979, the summit serves as a testament to the enduring partnership and the potential for further collaborative efforts to enhance China-U.S. relations.
Reference(s):
Sister cities inject vigor into China-U.S. ties, says Chinese envoy
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