Zinan – Chandon International Friendship City Cooperation and Exchange Week 2025 began on Tuesday in Shandong Province in eastern China, with the provincial capital, Jinan, serving as the main venue.
The event attracts 600 participants from nearly 50 countries on five continents and will run until May 30th. Set the strategic blueprint for urban collaboration of friendship, open new chapters of mutual prosperity, and promote dynamic and multi-faceted partnerships for the future.
The group of landmarks, with the theme of “Walking Hands for Collaborative Development,” features over 20 events, encouraging a comprehensive and targeted exchange between Shandong and its sister cities in all sectors.
Prominent participants gave speeches at the opening ceremony, highlighting the importance of President Xi Jinping’s vision for international friendship and global cooperation.
Zhou Naixiang, assistant secretary of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and Governor of Shandong Province, expanded his warm welcome and emphasized the importance of the event. He emphasized China’s commitment to strengthening the role of friendship cities in promoting global solidarity and mutual development, and to build communities that share the future of humanity.
Lin Wu, secretary of the CPC Chandon State Commission and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly in Shandong Province, reflects Shandong’s international partnership.
“Our 46 years of international cooperation journey has been an astonishing achievement since establishing the first urban relationship of friendship in 1979. We have 702 urban partnerships of friendships in 106 countries, earning the best range of the best in China.
Lynn also highlighted the call for President XI to further strengthen the initiatives of its sister cities to strengthen local government interactions, promote shared development and contribute to global progress.
Yuan Mindao, vice-president of the Chinese People’s Association’s Foreign Friendship Association, emphasized the cultural and strategic importance of the event.
“We are here to gather to renew and strengthen the bonds of international friendship and seek common developments in line with traditional Chinese philosophy of harmonious coexistence. This event will build important platforms and bridges for future collaboration,” he said.
Yuan urges participants to advance high-quality collaboration, deepen the bond between people and people, and work towards communities with a shared future for humanity, reflecting President XI’s vision for inclusive global development.
2025 Shandong International Friendshion Cities Cooperation Exchange Week not only strengthens existing partnerships, but also aligns with President XI’s call for a community of a shared future for humanity. By promoting deeper interaction, mutual accountability and sustainable development, the event illustrates how local and international collaboration can contribute to global harmony and prosperity. As Chandon continues to expand its urban network of friendship, it will strengthen China’s commitment to openness, cooperation and a brighter future in all countries.
This week’s activities undoubtedly lay the foundation for a more inclusive and impactful partnership and drive the vision of a united, prosperous global community.