During my WBL placement at the Foreign Affairs Office of Xi’an Municipal People’s Government (FAO Xi’an), my responsibilities were closely tied to international event coordination, research, and document drafting. These tasks not only supported the office’s daily operations but also allowed me to contribute to addressing the challenge posed by the relatively homogeneous background of the staff.

1. Drafting and Translating Official Documents
   I was responsible for preparing bilingual invitation letters, registration instructions, and briefing materials for international conferences such as the 9th Roundtable Conference of Cities along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 2025 Euro-Asia Economic Forum. By applying my training in international relations, I integrated diplomatic language, cultural sensitivity, and political context into the documents—providing value beyond simple translation.

2. Conducting Research
   I undertook background research on foreign cities and their governments, including Cuenca (Ecuador), Incheon (South Korea), and Surakarta (Indonesia). My research helped the office understand each partner’s priorities, thus facilitating more targeted exchanges. This work reflected how International Relations expertise can complement language-based skills.

3. Cultural Diplomacy Projects
   I actively participated in the Xi’an–Cuenca cultural exchange project, which involved coordinating the production and shipment of an artwork for unveiling at the UCLG World Council. This task required negotiation, cultural understanding, and logistical planning, showcasing how multidisciplinary knowledge can strengthen the office’s capacity in city diplomacy.

4. Developing a Practical Handbook (Key Achievement)
   My most significant contribution was authoring a Handbook on Enhancing International Relations Competence for Local Foreign Affairs Cadres. The handbook outlined fundamental concepts of international relations, practical diplomatic skills, and suggested solutions for common challenges faced by FAO Xi’an, such as balancing central directives with local initiatives, managing sensitive bilateral issues, and promoting proactive city diplomacy. This deliverable serves as a practical training resource for cadres, helping to diversify their professional knowledge and enhance their capacity to deal with complex international issues.

5. Accompanying Foreign Delegations (On-Site Diplomatic Engagement)

   I accompanied foreign delegates during major events such as the Western China Digital Economy Expo organized by the Xi’an Municipal Bureau of Big Data Resources, and also assisted in hosting the Kyoto University Student Choir delegation during their cultural exchange visit to Xi’an. These tasks involved real-time coordination, interpretation, and cross-cultural communication, allowing me to apply both my academic knowledge of international relations and my interpersonal skills in practical diplomatic settings.

Contribution to the Issue
Through these responsibilities—especially the development of the handbook—I was able to bring in analytical and academic perspectives that complemented the office’s existing strengths. My work demonstrated how cadres with international relations backgrounds can enhance policy relevance, cultural interpretation, and strategic foresight in external affairs.