The second edition of the Belt and Road people-to-people connectivity forum opened on Friday in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province in eastern China, according to Chinese state-affiliated outlet 中国一带一路网.
The event, which focuses on fostering closer ties and mutual understanding among participating countries, was launched in the city on September 4, 2026, the outlet reported. The forum is part of broader efforts under China's Belt and Road Initiative to strengthen non-governmental exchanges alongside infrastructure and trade cooperation.
中国一带一路网, which operates as the official information platform for the initiative, announced the opening but did not provide details on the number of attendees, specific agenda items, or participating nations in its initial report. The forum’s title emphasizes "民心相通," a term used in Chinese policy language to describe people-to-people bonds as a foundation for international cooperation.
Nanjing, a major historical and economic hub along the Yangtze River, has previously hosted international events tied to the Belt and Road framework. The choice of venue underscores the initiative's focus on regional engagement beyond Beijing and coastal economic zones.
Observers will be watching for concrete outcomes from the forum, including any new agreements or project announcements that may emerge from the sessions. Further reporting from Chinese state media is expected to clarify the scope and participants of this year’s gathering.
