In recent years, Beijing has hosted a lot of international events, including the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Beijing International Horticulture Exhibition, and the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations. A rising number of important events held in the capital city in recent years has inevitably brought higher requirements for its facilities, services and capability for urban operations. On September 27, Beijing held a press conference to unveil its blueprint for strengthening its function as the country's center for international exchanges in the next 15 years. Apart from an overview of Beijing's Special Plan for Strengthening Its Function as the Country's Center for International Exchanges (hereinafter referred to as the “Special Plan”), participants were also briefed on Beijing's Action Plan for Strengthening Its Function as the Country's Center for International Exchanges (2019-2022). The Action Plan sets out 48 hard infrastructure projects and 30 soft infrastructure projects, and outlines the key tasks, the timetable and the roadmap for the development of the center for international exchanges.
Beijing must prioritize key projects, which hold the key to promoting its function as the center for international exchanges.
According to Yu Haiyong, Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Beijing Municipal People's Government, to enhance the city's ability to host top-level international events and diplomatic activities, Beijing has compiled the Regulatory Plan for the Yanqi Lake International Convention & Exhibition Center. The construction of Yanbai Mountain Villa's main structures have been completed and accepted after inspection. The Qihu Project is picking up the pace. The city has also made remarkable progress in the upgrading and transformation of facilities surrounding the lake. Beijing will develop new venues to greet international friends. The main structure of Phase II of China National Convention Center is nearing its completion and is expected to be put into use next year. Beijing is working to build a second “Sanlitun” (an area in Chaoyang District where a number of embassies are located), and has released the Regulatory Plan and Urban Design for the Fourth Embassy Zone. Steady progress has been made in improving the municipal infrastructure and surroundings, as part of the efforts to build a vibrant, fashionable and high-quality cosmopolitan neighborhood. At the same time, work on the Daxing International Airport economic zone, the second and third phases of the New China International Exhibition Center, Universal Beijing Resort, and the venues of the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is progressing smoothly, and the system of the city's international exchanges facilities is constantly improving.
“The goal set out in the Special Plan is, to align ourselves with the Two Centenary Goals, and by 2035 build Beijing into the country's center for important diplomatic and international exchange activities, a hub for global technological innovation, exchanges and cooperation, an important window to show with confidence the Chinese culture, the commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, and the country's ability to participate in global governance,” said Yang Jun, Deputy Director-General of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources.
Beijing's four embassy zones (including the one that is currently under construction) are located in Chaoyang District. Cui Xiaohao, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Chaoyang District Committee and the Executive Deputy District Mayor, said, “As one of its distinctive features and advantages, Chaoyang plays an important role in international exchanges. Next, the district will do its best to support key municipal projects, continue to boost opening-up in multiple areas, and contribute to the development of Beijing as the country's center for international exchanges.
(Reporters: Zhu Jingruo and Wei Wei)
