Relationship between Chengdu, China, and Phoenix Provides Relief During Coronavirus Pandemic

PHOENIX — President Donald Trump has been threatening to pull out of the World Health Organization this week, claiming the U.S. is unfairly shouldering an economic burden of the coronavirus crisis he says should be carried by China, but a city in China is actually responsible for supplying some Phoenix first responders with its protective gear.

The relationship between Chengdu, China, and Phoenix is not new. They are sister cities — an official designation that started across the U.S. more than 60 years ago in 1956 as one of the now 10 sister city relationships that Phoenix has across the globe.

“Having been the supreme allied commander in World War II and having seen the horror of a world conflict, President Eisenhower wanted to find a way where citizens can reach out to one another, a vehicle that will allow that to happen — and form friendships and set aside cultural differences and celebrate friendship ideally,” said Rick Gerrard is vice-president of . He says cities across the globe use these relationships to navigate around world conflicts.

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This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.