October 7, 2025
Mayor's Office
DATE: October 7, 2025
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Subject:
Approve of International Travel to Zhoushan, China to
Ratify 2026–2028 Sister City Mutual Agreement and
Commemorate the 32nd Anniversary
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The anticipated expenditure of up to $5,000 is included within the Mayor’s Office Fiscal Year 2025-26 approved
budget (Mayor’s Office Account String: 01101011-
400243).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
September 12, 2023
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Mayor Xu Renbiao and the Zhoushan Department of
Culture and Tourism have invited City of Richmond
officials to participate in the Seventh China–U.S. Sister Cities Conference in Hangzhou, China, scheduled for
October 25–27, 2025. The conference will also
commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Richmond–
Zhoushan Sister City relationship.
In addition, Richmond representatives have been invited to visit Zhoushan from October 22–31, 2025, to meet with local officials and engage in discussions on education, tourism, and economic development.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: AUTHORIZE travel for Mayor Eduardo Martinez to Zhoushan, Republic of China, to celebrate the Sister
Cities 32nd Friendship Anniversary; attend the Seventh
China–U.S. Sister Cities Conference; and update the
Mutual Agreement between Sister Cities Richmond and
Zhoushan — Mayor's Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez
510-620-6503).
AGENDA
REPORT
October 7, 2025
DISCUSSION:
Delegates from Zhoushan, China led by Director General Li Wujie, Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Zhoushan Municipality visited Richmond on August 22, 2025, to meet with Mayor Martinez, and members of the commission to discuss points of interest within the Mutual Agreement.
Education and Language
Business and Economic Development, and
Arts and Culture
Director General Li Wujie also expressed their sincere hope that Mayor Martinez would lead a delegation to Zhoushan, China. This agenda item seeks the City Council’s approval for international travel to Richmond’s Sister City of Zhoushan, China, from October 22–31, 2025. On invitation from Zhoushan officials, Mayor Xu Renbiao and the Zhoushan Department of Culture and Tourism, a delegation consisting of Richmond elected officials and Richmond–Zhoushan Friendship Commission members would:
● Participate in the Seventh China–U.S. Sister Cities Conference, which will take place in Zhoushan, China, from October 25–27, 2025, and celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Richmond–Zhoushan sister city relationship. ● Meet with Zhoushan officials to discuss opportunities for collaboration in education, tourism, and economic development.
● Explore workforce development initiatives, including a visit to Zhoushan’s educational institutions and cultural facilities.
● Strengthen the long-standing bonds of friendship and cultural exchange between Richmond and Zhoushan by renewing ties through ceremonial and working meetings.
● Highlight the value of Richmond’s international partnerships and provide an opportunity to build on past successes while laying the groundwork for future collaboration in key areas.
The tentative attendees list is currently being finalized. The City of Zhoushan will cover hotel accommodation and land costs for invited city officials.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 - City of Richmond. (1993, February 8). Resolution No. 22-93: Resolution of the Council of the City of Richmond, California, in support of establishing a Sister City program with the City of Zhoushan, China. Richmond City Council Attachment 2 - City of Richmond. (2008, July 1). Resolution No. 74-08: Establishing the Richmond–Zhoushan Sister City Commission. Richmond City Council