Hangzhou set the stage for a groundbreaking dialogue on October 25, 2025, as the 7th China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference brought together leaders to discuss ‘Civilization Dialogue and Global Governance’. Hosted by CGTN, the roundtable highlighted how local friendships can shape a shared future for humanity—proving that cities are more than just skylines 🌆.
🗣️ Voices of Connection
CGTN’s Yang Yan led a dynamic chat with Carol Robertson Lopez (Sister Cities International) and Rodrigo Espinosa Rios (ex-Mayor of Livingston City). Both emphasized culture as a bridge amid geopolitical tensions. Lopez called sister cities 'grassroots diplomats,' while Rios shared how his city’s ties with Chinese counterparts boosted tourism and mutual understanding 🛤️.
🌐 Tackling Global Challenges
The panel didn’t shy from tough topics: climate action, tech gaps, and APEC’s role in multilateralism. Rios stressed, ‘Local partnerships are labs for global solutions.’ The discussion also aligned with China’s vision of a community with a shared future, blending ancient Silk Road spirit with modern diplomacy 🤝.
As Gen Z craves authentic connections, this conference shows that city-level ties might just be the secret sauce to global harmony 🍜✨.
