The 25th Anniversary of the Sister Province Relationship Between Zhejiang and West Flanders
A Bridge of Promise: Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership
On October 22, 2025, a remarkable event took place in Belgium, commemorating a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of the sister-province relationship between Zhejiang Province in China and West Flanders in Belgium. The celebration was graced by the presence of Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, along with representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Belgium, the Chinese mission to the EU, government officials from both provinces, and friends from various sectors, all united in honoring a quarter-century of lasting friendship.
West Flanders, where the city of Bruges stands as its capital, plays an essential role as a key trading partner for China within the European Union. Interestingly, the name ‘Bruges’ is derived from the Flemish word for ‘bridge,’ symbolizing the connection forged between these two regions. A pivotal moment in this relationship occurred in 2014 when Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a significant speech at the College of Europe in Bruges, revitalizing the ties between China and the EU and reinforcing the cooperative