Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng delivers remarks at the opening ceremony of the sixth China-US Sister Cities Conference via video link, July 19, 2024. [Photo/Chinese Embassy in US]

The China-US Sister Cities Conference, jointly initiated in 2014 by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Sister Cities International, has become a key platform for subnational exchange between the two countries.

Over the past decade, it has been held six times, alternating between China and the United States, fostering practical cooperation and deepening people-to-people ties.

Previous editions have taken place in Washington, DC; Chicago, Illinois; Nanchang, Jiangxi; Houston, Texas; Kunshan, Jiangsu; and Tacoma, Washington.

The fifth conference, held in Kunshan, Jiangsu province in November 2023, focused on the theme "Build Green Cities for the People". Nearly 200 participants from both countries attended, including representatives from more than 20 US states and multiple Chinese provinces and cities.

The sixth conference took place in Tacoma, Washington, in July 2024 under the theme "Shared Vision for a Better Future". It brought together around 300 delegates from 14 Chinese provinces and 21 US states, including more than 30 provincial, state, and city leaders, who discussed collaboration in areas such as education, trade, innovation, and sustainability.

Over the years, the conference has played an important role in promoting local cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding, and strengthening the enduring friendship between the Chinese and American people.

The two-day sixth China-US Sister Cities Conference in Tacoma, Washington is attended by nearly 300 people. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]