Upon arrival, the delegation visited the Dalian
International Conference Center, a striking architectural landmark and
recurring host of the Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as Summer
Davos. Since 2013, Dalian has welcomed this globally significant forum five
times, most recently in 2024, and is slated to host it again in next
year.
The event serves as a global platform for innovation,
dialogue, and collaboration among emerging economies and forward-thinking
enterprises. Dalian’s repeated selection as host reflects its growing influence
in shaping global economic conversations and fostering international
cooperation.
Strategically located between the Yellow Sea and the Bohai
Sea, Dalian is one of China’s key sub-provincial cities, known for its
strategic openness, robust infrastructure, and strong economic foundations. As
a hub of advanced manufacturing, international trade, and technological
innovation, the city plays a critical role in the revitalization of northeast
China. But beyond its economic strength, Dalian impresses visitors with its
seamless blend of modern urban design, green spaces, and coastal beauty. The
delegation marveled at how the city has preserved its natural charm while
building a vibrant, sustainable urban landscape that reflects China's broader
goals of ecological civilization.
From its tree-lined boulevards and expansive public parks to
its cutting-edge tech zones and innovation clusters, Dalian tells a compelling
story of transformation—where heritage and high-tech coexist harmoniously. Its
maritime economy, software and service outsourcing industries, and eco-friendly
urban planning have all positioned the city as a model for smart, sustainable
development in China and beyond.
The media tour is part of a broader initiative organized by
the Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission (GNFCC) of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The GNFCC extended invitations to the
journalists with the goal of deepening international understanding and
showcasing the progress of Liaoning in the new era. This effort reflects the
vision outlined by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 2013 SCO Bishkek Summit,
where he proposed the establishment of institutions dedicated to promoting
friendship and mutual understanding among SCO member states and observers.
Following their time in Dalian, the delegation will travel
to Shenyang, the provincial capital, where they are scheduled to attend two
major SCO forums. These events will further highlight Liaoning’s role in
regional cooperation, economic integration, and cultural exchange under the SCO
framework.
As the world faces complex challenges and seeks new paths
toward recovery and cooperation, cities like Dalian are proving that
innovation, openness, and sustainable development can go hand-in-hand. For the
visiting journalists, Dalian offers not just a window into China’s
transformation, but a glimpse into a future shaped by connectivity, shared
prosperity, and enduring friendship among nations.
