In 2026,
coinciding with the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Laos,
the 5th anniversary of the opening of the China-Laos Railway,
and the 5th anniversary of the Belt and Road Lancang-Mekong Railway Connectivity Center—
a significant historical milestone—

the 2026 "Railway Connectivity, People-to-People Bonds" series of events
kicked off at Shanghai Institute of Technology on January 14,
starting from Shanghai.

This event aims to thoroughly implement Chairman Xi Jinping’s important directive spirit of "cultivating more pillars of talent for the China-Laos friendship road," vividly showcase the fruitful achievements of China-Laos railway cooperation, share heartwarming stories of neighboring friendship and a community with a shared future for mankind, and highlight Shanghai’s mission and responsibility in the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Distinguished leaders and guests present at the event included Guo Qingsong, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Shanghai Institute of Technology; Liu Ke, Secretary of the CPC Committee and President of Xinmin Evening News; Su Lin, Vice President of the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries; Wan Xingwang, Vice President of the Shanghai Red Cross Society; and Li Chunping, Executive Vice President of the Shanghai Association for the Promotion of International Exchanges among Social Organizations. The ceremony was presided over by Wang Ying, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and Vice President of Shanghai Institute of Technology.