On October 21, 2025, the 2025 Asia-Europe Large River Regional Dialogue was held in Shanghai. Chen Jing, President of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai People's Congress; Mei Bing, Party Secretary of East China Normal University; and Bhokin Bhalakula, President of the Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association and former Speaker of the Thai National Assembly; as well as representatives from friendly organizations, experts, scholars, chambers of commerce, institutions, and enterprises from Eurasian countries, totaling approximately 150 people, attended the event. Ji Yongjun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended and addressed the opening ceremony.
Deputy Secretary-General Ji Yongjun emphasized that China places significant importance on the protection and utilization of water resources as a crucial component of national development. He highlighted that the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, serves as the fundamental guiding principle for water conservation efforts. Deputy Secretary-General Ji Yongjun outlined China's groundbreaking initiatives in water conservation, water environment governance, and ecological protection and restoration, all of which have resulted in remarkable achievements recognized globally. Large river basins, as complete natural and socio-economic systems, require a cross-border perspective and collaborative efforts for effective governance and development. Deepening exchanges and cooperation in the Asia-Europe large river basin is not only an essential response to global challenges but also a key pathway to unlocking regional growth potential, promoting shared prosperity, and building a closer Eurasian partnership.
The dialogue, themed "Asia-Europe Large River Exchange and Cooperation," was co-hosted by the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and East China Normal University. The event focused on the civilizational exchanges and development cooperation within the Asia-Europe large river basin, with a view to exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
