Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter: Yue Yanyun) news: The 9th China-Eurasia Expo was grandly inaugurated in Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on June 25, 2026, drawing guests and business delegates worldwide to gather at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains for this major Silk Road cooperation event.
Rooted in Xinjiang while reaching far across Eurasia, this year's expo has proven to be a remarkable showcase of highlights — a powerful testament to China's open embrace of the world and its earnest commitment to working hand in hand with partners near and far. It is, without question, an event of true distinction.
This is a gala of truly global stature. Building on the strong participation of Eurasian countries — particularly China's neighbors — this year's expo has further expanded its reach to include members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Arab League, and the African Union, among other regional organizations. A total of 27 countries and international organizations are taking part, with the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and Thailand all setting up national pavilions for the first time. The event also features a concurrent week-long showcase of Chinese and foreign cultures. This marks a structural upgrade of the expo's cooperation network.
From the heart of Eurasia to ASEAN partners, from the Arabian Peninsula to the African continent, the Silk Road "circle of friends" continues to grow. More than just a metric of participation, this expansion reflects the growing confidence and openness of China's Xinjiang as it connects with Eurasia and the wider world—and infuses the expo with a distinct spirit of openness and a renewed impetus for cooperation.
This is an expo that epitomizes cutting-edge technology. Developing new quality productive forces is a key priority for deepening practical cooperation between China and Eurasian countries. On the exhibition floor, exoskeleton robots have drawn crowds of business visitors eager to try them firsthand, while intelligent robot dogs — equipped with image recognition, gas detection, voiceprint identification, laser scanning, and more — have been demonstrating a full range of gaits with impressive agility.
This year's expo debuts two dedicated thematic pavilions — one on new quality productive forces and one on green development — focusing on frontier industries such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, low-altitude economy, and biomanufacturing. Together, they offer a concentrated showcase of emerging innovations, from new products and technologies to cutting-edge services. For businesses, this serves as a vital window into new directions for product innovation and market expansion; for all participating parties, it opens up broader space for integrated innovation and market potential exploration. Ultimately, it is set to inject fresh momentum into science, technology, and innovation cooperation across Eurasian nations.
This is an expo with a distinct people-oriented character. Far more than a platform for economic and trade cooperation, this year's event also serves as a window through which quality products reach everyday consumers, bringing better lives within closer reach. For the first time, the expo features a dedicated border trade pavilion, showcasing specialty goods from seven border trade zones in Xinjiang and neighboring countries—allowing many shoppers to "buy globally" without ever leaving their hometown.
Nearly 20 cultural and tourism activities are taking place during the expo, including song and dance performances, immersive theater, intangible cultural heritage experiences, curated exhibitions, and sporting events. Participants and visitors alike can enjoy exclusive discounts on performances and cultural experiences with their expo credentials. This people-oriented approach reflects a deeper commitment — to pursue development for the people and ensure that the dividends of growth are widely shared.