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The 2024 Understanding China Conference: An Overview

On December 3, 2024, the bustling city of Guangzhou played host to the much-anticipated Understanding China Conference, held at the Guangzhou Yuexiu International Congress Center. This significant event attracted over 600 participants from a diverse array of sectors including politics, strategy, business, academia, and think tanks, both from within China and abroad. This year’s theme, "Carry through the Reform to the End--Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities for World Development," encapsulated the conference’s aim of fostering global dialogue about China’s continued evolution and its increasing impact on world affairs.

The conference was jointly organized by several notable institutions including the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, and the Guangdong provincial government. Such high-caliber collaboration is a testament to the conference's ambition to serve as a premier international platform for understanding China’s development strategies.

One of the most striking aspects of this year’s event was the notable rise in global attendance. The conference welcomed over 100 international representatives, including nine former heads of state and 16 ministerial-level officials, who underscored the global community’s interest in engaging with China. The event reflected a growing recognition of the need for international cooperation and consensus-building in a rapidly changing world.

Throughout its agenda, the conference featured a variety of formats designed to promote dialogue and understanding. Noteworthy highlights included keynote speeches from industry leaders at the opening ceremony, followed by six parallel seminars and 14 thematic forums. Additionally, two closed-door discussions were held to facilitate in-depth conversations on pertinent topics, contributing to vibrant discussions that engaged participants from around the globe. The media coverage was extensive, with more than 100 domestic and international media outlets in attendance, indicating a notable interest in the proceedings.

The core message promoted at the conference was encapsulated in the philosophy that "China can only do well when the world is doing well, and vice versa". This idea emphasizes China's commitment to global development as a shared responsibility. The nation is making strides in Chinese-style modernization, a term that encompasses a blend of high-quality development aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its 1.4 billion citizens while simultaneously contributing to global peace and development.

Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome highlighted the global significance of Chinese-style modernization, stating that it presents new developmental opportunities not only for China but for the entire world. This sentiment resonates with China's desire to collaborate with other nations to create an inviting environment for progress, tackling shared challenges, and advocating for a form of modernization that emphasizes peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit.

The conference this year specifically addressed the importance of further deepening reforms and advancing modernization efforts as crucial parts of China’s narrative on global influence. Various sessions tackled key topics such as the cohesive multi-ethnic identity of the Chinese nation, the intersection of cultural preservation and innovation in historically significant cities, and the critical role of women's leadership in the ongoing socio-economic development efforts. By fostering discussions on these topics, the conference sought to celebrate and promote rich traditional Chinese culture, enabling cultural exchanges and mutual learning among participants.

In summary, the 2024 Understanding China Conference successfully spotlighted not only the reforms and modernization strategies of China but also its growing engagement in global dialogue. It served as a vital platform for enhancing understanding and collaboration in a time when global challenges require a collective effort. As the conference concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of nations in shaping a prosperous future for all.