Diplomats from the embassies of 16 Asian countries in China embarked on a five-day tour of Shanxi province from Aug 4 to 8, exploring the cities of Shuozhou and Datong and focusing on themes such as war sites, green energy, and cultural heritage.

The delegation included representatives from countries such as Thailand, North Korea, Laos, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan. This visit coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and in the World Anti-Fascist War, with the aim of promoting lasting global peace.

In Shuozhou, the diplomats visited the China Coal Pingshuo Museum, where they learned about China's first major international cooperative project initiated during the early reform and opening-up period. They also saw the development of an intelligent mining area by the ChinaCoal Pingshuo Group.

"This is my first visit to Shanxi, and it's a valuable opportunity to learn from China's energy development experience," said a Filipino diplomat. "The Philippines and China have extensive cooperation in renewable energy, and we look forward to deepening our partnership."

In Datong, the delegation toured the Pingxingguan Victory Memorial Hall, the Datong Citron Daylily Industrial Park, and the Biopharmaceutical Industrial Park. They also gained insights into the cultural heritage preservation efforts at the Yungang Grottoes and the Huayan Temple.

At the Yungang Grottoes, a counselor from the Nepalese Embassy in China marveled at the exquisite sandstone sculptures, saying, "The preservation of the grottoes, especially the colors and gilding techniques, is astounding. We also welcome more Chinese visitors to Nepal."