International friendship city work is an important part of people-to-people diplomacy. It is a key platform for putting the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity into practice, strengthening people-to-people ties between China and other countries, and enabling subnational governments and cities to participate in international exchanges and cooperation. General Secretary Xi Jinping attaches great importance to city diplomacy and international friendship city work. He has stressed the need to "better advance people-to-people diplomacy, city diplomacy and public diplomacy" and to "vigorously carry out China's international friendship city work, promote exchanges between Chinese and foreign subnational governments, and advance resource sharing, complementary advantages and win-win cooperation". At present, changes unseen in a century are evolving at a faster pace, and the external environment and requirements for international friendship city work have undergone profound changes. These changes have created new space for such work while also presenting new tasks. We must thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, uphold both problem-oriented and goal-oriented approaches, continue to deepen our understanding of the underlying principles of international friendship city work, and carry out this work to a high standard, so as to make greater contributions to economic and social development and to China's overall diplomacy.
Practicing Win-Win Cooperation and Strengthening the Foundation of People-to-People Ties. General Secretary Xi Jinping has stated, "We are ready to share the opportunities created by China's development with the international community for win-win cooperation and common development". International friendship city work serves as an important bond linking Chinese and foreign localities and connecting people's opinions and supports. It reflects the call of our times for win-win cooperation and common development among countries. By the end of 2025, China had established more than 3,000 friendship city, province and state relationships with over 150 countries, forming a "circle of friends" across five continents. This friendship network, with clear priorities, well-defined levels and broad coverage, has effectively supported cooperation related to people's livelihoods. In Africa, China has promoted the implementation of Juncao technology projects to help local communities increase their income. In Southeast Asia and Central Asia, Luban Workshops have been established to train skilled technical personnel. With countries in the Middle East, China has advanced international cooperation in green technologies and jointly explored pathways for green development. On the new journey, high-quality international friendship city work should focus on serving head-of-state diplomacy and actively align with new concepts, propositions and initiatives such as building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four major global initiatives. In terms of overall planning, exchanges with neighboring countries and cities in Belt and Road partner countries should be further deepened. In terms of cooperation content, continued emphasis should be placed on practical, people-centered projects in areas such as poverty reduction, education and green development, so that the benefits of practical cooperation reach more people in a fairer way.
Strengthening Systematic Planning and Enhancing Coordination and Synergy. International friendship city work covers wide geographic areas, involves many sectors and brings together multiple participants. It is therefore a complex, systematic undertaking. To advance this work, we must give full play to the notable strengths of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics. This requires stronger top-level design, sound development plans for international friendship city work, and clear objectives, priorities, areas of cooperation and implementation pathways at each stage. In this way, work can be guided by a consistent blueprint and always serve the central tasks of the Party and the country. At the same time, it is important to pool resources effectively, ensure a clear division of responsibilities, strengthen coordination and promote close cooperation. The China International Friendship Cities Conference is the largest and highest-level institutional conference on friendship cities in China. It has been held successfully seven times. At the 2024 conference, more than 700 representatives from over 40 countries, more than 60 provinces and states, over 120 cities, and more than 60 subnational government organizations and friendship organizations attended. Focusing on topics such as smart cities, green development, cultural heritage and transport connectivity, the conference played a positive role in deepening international friendship city exchanges and cooperation, promoting regional economic integration, and serving regional economic and social development and people's well-being.
Leveraging City Resources to Deepen Targeted and Practical Cooperation. Cities in different countries have their own historical and cultural heritage. Their development needs and industrial foundations also vary according to local conditions and resource endowments. To carry out international friendship city work to a high standard, it is necessary to follow the principle of "one country, one policy; one city, one approach", proceed from local realities, cultivate distinctive areas of strength, and match supply with demand more precisely. This will help move international friendship city cooperation from broad coverage toward higher-quality and more sustainable development. For example, Guangxi and Yunnan have made full use of their geographical proximity and cultural affinity with ASEAN countries, making ASEAN an important focus of their international friendship city cooperation. By formulating exchange plans and building communication platforms, they have continued to deepen practical cooperation. Localities should make targeted efforts based on their own strengths, rely on locally distinctive flagship projects, identify suitable foreign subnational government partners, open up business opportunities, and amplify the wider impact of these projects. Coastal areas may highlight the marine economy, including opening-up and green shipping. Border areas may focus on cross-border trade and cultural exchanges. Strong industrial cities may enhance cooperation in industrial and supply chain integration and technological research and development. In this way, international friendship city cooperation can become more practical, more distinctive and a stronger driver of subnational economic and social development.
Relying on Local Governments and Mobilizing Broad Participation. Local governments are important actors in international friendship city work. They shoulder the dual responsibility of connecting with China's overall diplomacy and serving local economic and social development. They also play an active role in bringing together multiple stakeholders and advancing high-quality friendship city cooperation. International friendship city work should rely on local governments, uphold the principal position of the people, fully reflect the will of the people, safeguard their rights and interests, and stimulate their creativity. It is also important to mobilize people from the business, academic, cultural and overseas Chinese communities, and to effectively integrate resources from enterprises, chambers of commerce, research institutions and social organizations. This will promote resource sharing and win-win cooperation among local governments and inject strong momentum into economic and social development. For example, the RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum, a national-level institutional forum, brings together government officials, friendship city representatives, experts and scholars, enterprises, chambers of commerce and other participants from RCEP member states. Centered on economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchanges and the establishment of friendship city ties, the forum has helped draw up a blueprint for regional cooperation. It has become a useful platform for RCEP members to enhance mutual understanding, pursue cooperation and establish partnerships, and offers a vivid example of relying on local governments and mobilizing multiple forces to advance international friendship city work.
(Published in People's Daily, Page 09, January 7, 2026)
