#China #Understanding China #Canton #Zheng Bijian #CIIDS

Understanding Chinese Modernization

The 2025 Understanding China Conference kicked off in Canton, bringing together a diverse mix of politicians, scholars, business leaders, and representatives from international organizations under the central theme: "New Plan, New Development, New Choices - Chinese Modernization and the New Vision of Global Governance". This year’s discussions delved into the relevance of the 15th Five-Year Plan, emphasizing its significance not only for China but also for the global community.

Zheng Bijian, the Founding Chairman and Chairman of the Academic Committee of the China Institute for Innovation Development Strategy (CIIDS), opened the dialogue by underscoring the need to understand China in order to comprehend its modernization journey. He passionately argued against the prevailing notion that modernization equates to Westernization. Instead, he posited that China offers a distinct model of modernization which presents "new choices" for developing nations, facilitating a collective rise among them.

Moreover, a dedicated thematic forum titled "The Future of Artificial Intelligence+" focused on the practical applications of AI as part of the industrial upgrading initiatives outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan. This highlights the increasing integration of advanced technology into China's modern development strategy and sets the stage for enhanced efficiency across various sectors.

The conference also shed light on significant developments in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port. These topics led to vibrant discussions on high-level opening-up initiatives in the Greater Bay Area, alongside how modernization can create new avenues for international trade. Additionally, asserting the future of urban space and actions in Shenzhen also emerged as crucial subjects.

Xu Weixin, President of CIIDS, pointed out a notable increase in participation from representatives of the Global South, indicating the growing allure and influence of the Understanding China Conference as a vital platform for exchanging ideas. This trend suggests that 70% of the roughly 200 international attendees hailed from the Global South, with many participating for the first time.

This gathering provides a significant opportunity for nations to share insights, draw inspiration from China’s modernization experience, and collaboratively foster a community with a shared future. The discussions laid a foundation for how the world can better engage with China's evolving narrative and the overarching global governance frameworks.

For those interested in diving deeper into the topics discussed at the conference, additional information can be found at CIIDS Official Website. Photos and more details from this impactful conference can be accessed through the media resources provided by CIIDS.

In sum, as the world moves toward a more integrated future, understanding the intricacies of China's modernization and its governmental philosophies becomes increasingly essential. Events like the Understanding China 2025 Conference serve as a bridge for knowledge sharing and fostering international cooperation.