Zhang Yan, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Fujian Provincial Committee, called for enhanced cultural exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative at the press conference for the World Internet Conference Digital Silk Road Development Forum on July 3.

Zhang highlighted the importance of carrying forward the Silk Road spirit, promoting cultural trade, and cooperating with overseas Chinese communities. “We have implemented the Maritime Silk Road cultural exchange initiative, including international film festivals, cultural tourism fairs, documentary conference, and tea culture forums,” he said, urging more cooperation in cultural industries and stronger people-to-people ties.

The World Internet Conference (WIC) was established as an international organization on July 12, 2022, headquartered in Beijing, China. It was jointly initiated by Global System for Mobile Communication Association (GSMA), National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team/Coordination Center of China (CNCERT), China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), Alibaba Group, Tencent, and Zhijiang Lab.