Numerous parallels

Duisburg and Wuhan have numerous parallels regarding their benefits and unique characteristics. For instance, each city serves as a central point for the steel sector while simultaneously navigating a shift toward sustainable economic practices. In terms of city development, they are both exploring ways to enhance urban living standards by fostering greener, more eco-friendly and energy-efficient urban growth, aiming to offer improved living environments for their residents. Additionally, both cities — situated at the junction of two rivers — play crucial roles as logistical centers, he said.

"We have many connections, and there are many areas such as culture, education and urban planning, where we can learn from and cooperate with each other," he said.

During his stay in Wuhan, Link relished hot dry noodles for breakfast and strolling in riverfront parks. He found traditional structures like the Yellow Crane Tower exceptionally beautiful. He found the locals, similar to those in Duisburg, very warm and open to conversation.

Link calls Duisburg "Germany's China city". He said the highlight of his career was the moment when he greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping, who visited Duisburg in 2014. Xi welcomed the arrival of a Chinese freight train at the Port of Duisburg, and expressed hope that Duisburg will play a greater role in promoting cooperation between China and Germany, and China and Europe.

Since Xi's visit, Duisburg has evolved into a crucial center for logistics, witnessing a surge in investments from Chinese firms, Link said. He is convinced that going forward, Duisburg's collaborative prospects with China will only expand further.

Link said the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative "essentially applies the traditional concept of the Silk Road to modern practices". This initiative facilitates the exchange and learning of cultures among different countries and their peoples, promotes trade relations, and makes a significant contribution to world peace. It has also had a positive impact on the Port of Duisburg.

Although some voices in Europe advocate for reducing economic reliance on China, Link maintained that it is crucial for the government to organize cooperative projects that could deliver concrete advantages to Duisburg and its residents, and China can be a good partner as long as the cooperation is win-win.