Recently, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner paid his first trip to China, aiming to strengthen economic ties.

Illinois has a strong and positive relationship with China that includes valuable economic, educational and cultural ties. Rauner said that Illinois will continue to strengthen industries that align well with the strengths of Chinese companies, such as manufacturing, alternative energy, transportation, logistics and high tech.

Illinois and China enjoy a long tradition of cultural and educational exchanges. China is now Illinois' second international market providing visitors to our state. In 2016, Illinois hosted 235,000 visitors from China. Further, Illinois ranks fifth nationwide in attracting international students. There are nearly 50,000 international students studying at Illinois colleges and universities.

Illinois also has 10 sister cities with Chinese cities, including Chicago-Shanghai, Changzhou-Rockford, Quincy-Jiaxing and Morton-Tiantai. These relationships provide opportunities to continue to deepen and strengthen the cultural, educational and business ties between China and Illinois.