Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership Between Zhejiang and West Flanders

Celebrating a Milestone: 25 Years of Friendship Between Zhejiang and West Flanders

On October 22, 2025, Belgium hosted a significant event marking the 25th anniversary of the partnership between the Chinese province of Zhejiang and the Belgian province of West Flanders. This celebration was attended by notable figures, including Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, representatives from the Chinese embassy in Belgium, the Chinese mission to the EU, governmental officials from both Zhejiang and West Flanders, and friends from various sectors of both countries, all gathered to honor a quarter-century of camaraderie.

Located in the heart of Europe, Belgium has become a crucial trade partner for China within the EU, with Bruges, the capital of West Flanders, deriving its name from the Flemish word for 'bridge'. A pivotal moment for the relationship came in 2014, when Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a significant speech at the College of Europe in Bruges, energizing the ties between China and the EU and fortifying the collaborative 'bridge' between Zhejiang and West Flanders.

Over the past 25 years, there have been 22 official visits by successive governors of West Flanders to Zhejiang. The current governor, Carl Decaluwé, has made 14 visits himself. These trips provided invaluable opportunities to deepen the understanding of Zhejiang and China among Belgian officials and businesses. The anniversary is not just a celebration of partnerships; it also symbolizes the real-life connections forged through trade, culture, and mutual respect.

This milestone coincides with the culmination of a three-year documentary project that involved a team of journalists traveling 9,200 kilometers to conduct interviews and gather stories from Belgium and various regions in China, including Zhejiang, Shanghai, Beijing, and Yunnan. The documentary offers an in-depth overview of the cooperation between the two provinces in diverse fields such as port and maritime affairs, trade and economics, education, healthcare, and technology. As China and the EU prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relationships in 2025, this film reflects on the individuals who have navigated storms to build the 'bridge' between China and Europe.

In collaboration with the Zhejiang Daily Press Group, the Zhejiang International Communication Center, and Belgium’s Focus WTV, this project seeks to rediscover witnesses, stakeholders, and storytellers of this remarkable journey. By weaving the life stories of families and individuals into the broader historical narrative, they emerge as partners who stand by each other through thick and thin—true 'bridge builders' forging enduring bonds of friendship.

The profound essence of the partnership between Zhejiang and West Flanders serves as a testament to the power of collaboration across cultures and nations. As this story unfolds, it becomes clear that these connections are more than mere diplomatic gestures; they represent genuine friendships that will foster growth and prosperity for future generations.

For further insights about this inspiring journey, view the documentary trailer here.