From August 18 to 23, an international crew of journalists joined "Watch China Together: A Journey to Harmony," diving into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s latest feats in smart agriculture, green ports, and cultural ties. Their stops in Yangling, Xi’an, and Qingdao painted a vivid picture of China’s role in boosting cooperation with SCO members and the wider Global South.
Yangling’s Agri-Powerhouse 🌱
First up was Yangling, where history meets high-tech. South Africa’s Ehrard Vermaak was amazed by the "uniform" fields and "huge size of maize growth." He noted, "Yangling was very, very clean, very organized… It’s not just a small town—it’s a global hub."
Pakistan analyst Yasir Masood highlighted the SCO Agriculture Technology Exchange and Training Demonstration Base, which "has brought around 96 institutions from 18 countries." He added, "This was not confined to SCO alone… Yangling is extending its expertise to the rest of the world, like Africa."
Xi’an & the Silk Road Revival 🚆
In Xi’an, the team explored the China Europe Railway Express center, a modern echo of the Silk Road. Masood reflected on ancient knowledge flows, saying, "I saw how peacefully progress is transformed and shared with the world, without any geostrategic strings attached."
Qingdao’s Cultural & Commerce Hub 🐚
The SCO Exhibition Center, nicknamed "The Pearl," wowed Vermaak with its clamshell design. "The goods inside are the Pearl—it’s clever," he smiled. He also spotted South African wine and Rooibos tea on display, proof of the SCO’s open-door policy.
Masood loved Qingdao’s automated port and the buzzing film scene at China Movie Metropolis. Visiting Pakistan’s booth, he felt proud to showcase his country’s culture on a global stage.
A Connected Chain of Collaboration 🔗
Looking back, the journalists saw a clear chain: Yangling’s fields, Xi’an’s rails, and Qingdao’s commerce. Vermaak summed it up: "They showed us where products come from and how they move with efficiency." Masood concluded, "Agriculture, connectivity, culture—these three pillars of SCO came alive for us."
Inspired by what they saw, the group is ready to turn insights into action, fueling deeper ties and shared prosperity across the Global South. 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
