The 9th Silk Road International Exposition opened in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, on May 21. Shen Yueyue, vice-chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, addressed the opening ceremony.

Shen emphasized that this year's expo aims to further build consensus on openness, strengthen practical cooperation, and expand win-win development. China will always adhere to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, deepen connectivity with all parties, and promote infrastructure connectivity, she said. The country will enhance communication and cooperation in advancing mutual recognition of rules and standards, deepen economic cooperation, and align development strategies of the countries along the Belt and Road, she said. China will also  promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges, working together with other countries to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, she added.

With the theme "Silk Road Integration, Open Cooperation," the expo featured several economic and trade investment exchange activities, showcasing the achievements of Belt and Road cooperation and promoting international economic and trade exchanges and cooperation.