From September 12 to 14, the third Diplomats' Sailing Invitational Regatta took place in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, drawing more than 70 diplomats from 12 countries, including Estonia, Bulgaria, Malaysia, Spain and Cuba.

Group photo of diplomats participating in the event

Jointly launched by the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, the Qinhuangdao Municipal People's Government, and the Hebei Port Group Co., Ltd, the regatta is a regular international sporting event that aims to use sailing as a bridge to promote international exchange and cooperation.

H.E. Mr. Hannes Hanso, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to China, speaks during an interview.

[Photo by Liu Yujing]

"This is my sixth time visiting Qinhuangdao, and every time my family and I have had a wonderful time here," said H.E. Mr. Hannes Hanso, Estonian ambassador to China. "I grew up in a coastal city and have plenty of experience in water sports. I'm very glad to take part in this sailing invitational."

Mrs. Norfarina Mohd Azmee, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Malaysia in China, during an interview. 

[Photo by Liu Yujing]

Mrs. Norfarina Mohd Azmee, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Malaysia, described the regatta as both fun and challenging, and the joy brought by sports is truly pure. "Qinhuangdao is a great city for tourism, with well-developed facilities and hospitalities that attract visitors from around the world," she added.

Mr. Sadaseelan Chetty, Counselor at the Embassy of South Africa in China, during an interview.

[Photo by Liu Yujing]

Mr. Sadaseelan Chetty, Counselor at the Embassy of South Africa in China, said the regatta serves as an excellent opportunity for people-to-people exchanges, putting everybody together from diverse cultural backgrounds on one sailing boat and bringing cultures together.

Scene of the competition.

[Photo via the Beijing Service Bureau of Diplomatic Missions]

During the event, diplomats also visited the Xigang Port area in Qinhuangdao to witness how industrial heritage has been transformed into an urban cultural and tourism landmark. They toured the Shanhaiguan Museum Of The Great Wall of China to learn about the achievements in preserving the Great Wall, and test-rode Chinese new energy vehicles to experience China's innovations in smart electric cars.

 (Source: CRI Online)