As anticipation builds for the 2025 APEC Leaders' Meeting in South Korea, the enduring partnership between Nanjing and Daejeon stands as a testament to cross-border collaboration. These two Asian innovation powerhouses – one anchoring the Chinese mainland's Yangtze River Delta tech corridor, the other driving South Korea's semiconductor ambitions – have evolved their 30-year sister-city bond into a blueprint for regional economic synergy.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Since formalizing ties in 1994, Nanjing's manufacturing prowess and Daejeon's scientific research capabilities have fueled joint ventures in smart city development and renewable energy. The relationship gained new momentum in 2024 through a landmark agreement prioritizing AI development and joint talent incubation programs.
Cultural Bridges, Digital Futures
Recent exchanges like Nanjing's delegation participating in Daejeon's Zero O'clock Festival highlight how cultural understanding underpins technological cooperation. 'Our cities speak the universal language of innovation,' noted a delegation member during anniversary celebrations featuring holographic displays of shared achievements.
APEC's Living Laboratory
With APEC members accounting for 60% of global R&D spending, this partnership offers insights into balancing regional competition with collaborative growth. As Gyeongju prepares to host APEC leaders, the Nanjing-Daejeon model demonstrates how mid-sized cities can drive national innovation strategies while maintaining local cultural identities.
