A delegation from Macerata and Fermo municipalities visited Beijing upon invitation from the Xicheng District Government, with a key agenda to establish sister-city relations by signing a cooperation memorandum with Xicheng District. On May 30, the delegation visited BAI for talks and a tour of the historic burial site of Matteo Ricci and other foreign missionaries—key figures in East-West cultural exchange.

Dr. Li Yunchi, Vice President of BAI, welcomed the delegation, noting the profound legacy of Macerata and Fermo which are home to pioneers like Ricci and Teodorico Pedrini who bridged Eastern and Western civilizations centuries ago, shaping global cultural exchange for generations.

During the discussions, Chen Cong, head of International Cooperation Department, and Chen Xinyu, associate professor from the Philosophy and Culture Department, detailed BAI’s effort in fostering cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and legacy promotion—all centered around the cultural relics on campus, namely Cemetery of foreignmissionaries, E-shaped Building, and Square-shaped Building.

This year marks 55 years of China-Italy diplomatic relations and 50 years of China-EU ties, with celebrations unfolding across both nations. The establishment of sister-city relations and the visit carries special weight: it not only deepens mutual understanding in cultural spheres but also breathes new life into the enduring friendship between the two countries.