Sister-city relationships have become an important way for cities around the world to build international ties. But a recent academic study suggests something important: city-level partnerships do not have to be based on higher-level provincial sister relationships — and in fact, often aren’t. IDEAS/RePEc
1. Sister Cities Can Be Independent of Provincial Ties
Many people assume that if two provinces or regions are “sister provinces,” then cities within them will automatically form sister-city ties. However, the research shows this is not necessarily true:
- Chinese cities often form sister-city relationships even when their provinces do not have a corresponding sister-province agreement.
- Similarly, city partnerships may emerge between cities whose provinces are not linked at all.
- In other words, interacting at the city level can follow its own logic, separate from provincial or regional ties. IDEAS/RePEc
This means local governments are making decisions based on city priorities rather than provincial mandates — such as economic opportunities, cultural connections, or existing informal networks. The fact that provincial twinning does not fully predict city twinning highlights the autonomy of municipal diplomacy in today’s globalized world. IDEAS/RePEc
2. Why Chinese Cities Are Welcomed as Partners
The same study also suggests that Chinese cities have become particularly attractive partners in global sister-city networks. There are several reasons for this trend:
Urban Global Connections
Chinese cities with more developed global economic activity — such as higher levels of international flights, foreign visitors, and outward trade — tend to have more sister-city relationships. This means that cities that are already outward-looking and internationally connected are more likely to attract foreign city partnerships. ResearchGate
Economic and Cultural Appeal
China’s rapid urban growth has created many economically vibrant cities with strong business, technology, and cultural sectors. Foreign cities often see partnerships with Chinese cities as a way to:
- expand economic and trade links
- create opportunities for cultural and educational exchanges
- build stronger global networks with dynamic partners
This mix of economic dynamism, cultural influence, and infrastructure makes Chinese municipalities attractive to cities around the world.
Flexible Local Diplomacy
Finally, sister-city relationships are managed at the municipal level and often allow more flexibility than national-level diplomacy. Even when central governments have complex relations, city governments can pursue direct ties that benefit their communities — for example through exchanges, tourism cooperation, or business linkages.
3. What This Means for International Cooperation
The findings suggest three important points for cities considering global partnerships:
- City-level strategy matters — cities can form meaningful international links without relying solely on higher-level provincial or national agreements.
- Practical benefits drive cooperation — shared economic interests, cultural exchange, and tourism often play a stronger role than formal provincial links.
- Chinese cities have become global hubs in city-to-city networks thanks to their international openness and active urban diplomacy.
In an increasingly interconnected world, sister cities are more than symbolic ties — they are practical tools for cooperation, growth, and mutual learning.