What happened
The second Belt and Road People-to-People Connectivity Forum opened in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, on Sept. 3, hosted by the Western Returned Scholars Association.
Yang Zhen, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of the association, attended the event and addressed attendees.
More than 150 representatives from political, business and academic circles across over 20 Belt and Road co-building countries took part under the theme 'Silk Road Heart Bridge · Ning Gather Consensus.'
Why it matters
The forum highlights the role of returned Chinese students and scholars as bridges between China and other countries, positioning them as key messengers for people-to-people ties.
By stressing cultural and people-to-people connections, the event signals a continued emphasis on soft diplomacy as a foundation for stable cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative.
Key facts
Hosted by the Western Returned Scholars Association.
Held Sept. 3 in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.
Yang Zhen attended as vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee and president of the association.
Theme focuses on building consensus through people-to-people connectivity.
Over 150 representatives from 20+ Belt and Road co-building countries attended.
What to watch next
Expect continued calls for overseas Chinese students and scholars to engage in people-to-people diplomacy and youth exchanges between China and Belt and Road partner countries.
Watch for whether this forum leads to more concrete cultural exchange programs or cooperation projects backed by the association and its international partners.