Mayors from cities across ASEAN nations convened in Nanning, capital of China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, this week to strengthen regional collaboration under the theme of building a "China-ASEAN amicable home." The dialogue, timed ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, highlighted how urban partnerships are becoming key drivers of cross-border diplomacy.
Participants from Vientiane, Yangon, Surat Thani, Kulim, Mong Cai, Siem Reap, and Mataram exchanged strategies on leveraging shared cultural heritage and modern infrastructure needs. A central focus was enhancing digital connectivity and sustainable city planning while maintaining historical ties. "Urban centers are where policy meets people," noted one delegate, underscoring the role of cities in implementing regional development goals.
The discussions aligned with broader efforts to deepen economic integration through initiatives like the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, which links China's inland regions to ASEAN ports. Cultural preservation projects, including joint heritage site restorations and tourism promotion programs, were also prioritized as tools for fostering public engagement.
