On September 29, the International Symposium on Space Physics and Multi-Sphere Coupling was held at the China–Iceland Arctic Science Observatory (CIAO). Ambassador He Rulong attended the opening ceremony and hosted a special reception to mark the completion of the Observatory's upgrade and renovation, and its expanded capacity to host international conferences. The reception was attended by Director-general Ágúst Hjörtur Ingþórsson of Rannís, Chairman Knútur Jónasson of the municipal council of Þingeyjarsveit, Mayor Katrín Sigurjónsdóttir, representatives of local residents, and scientists from China, Germany, Belgium, Canada and other countries.

In his remarks, Ambassador He noted that, guided by the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping, China will together with the Icelandic side and taking the launch of direct flights between the two countries as an opportunity, enable the Observatory to better serve local development and promote international cooperation in addition to fulfilling its scientific research functions.

Director-general Ingþórsson and other Icelandic guests warmly congratulated the completion of the Observatory's upgrade and renovation, and expressed the hope that the Observatory will further advance bilateral and international scientific research cooperation, and contribute to the growth of local education and tourism.