#China #Guangzhou #Global Governance #China Conference #Fifth Plan

Understanding China Conference 2025

The Understanding China Conference is set to take place in Guangzhou under the theme "New Plan, New Development, New Options: Chinese Modernization and the New Vision of Global Governance." Scheduled for December 3, 2025, this pivotal gathering will bring together esteemed politicians, academics, industry leaders, and international organization representatives. The main focus of this year's event will be on the Fifth Five-Year Plan (15th FYP) and its global implications, emphasizing innovation and opportunities for collaboration in global governance initiatives.

According to Zheng Bijian, the founding chairman of the China Institute for Innovation Development Strategy (CIIDS), understanding modern China is crucial to appreciating its developmental trajectory. He emphasizes that the exploration of Chinese modernization, as characterized by the 15th FYP, challenges the notion that "modernization equates to westernization," providing a fresh perspective for Global South countries seeking pathways to modernization.

The conference aims to facilitate discussions on practical applications in technology, featuring a thematic forum titled "Leading the Future: 'Artificial Intelligence+' in the Context of Industrial Modernization and Talent Development." This segment will explore how industries can effectively harness artificial intelligence to foster innovation and growth.

A focal point of this year's conference is the impressive development of China’s Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port. The conference has innovatively included three dialogues specifically addressing key issues such as high-level openness in the Greater Bay Area, the role of Hainan as a Free Trade Zone, and the future of urban development in Shenzhen.

According to Xu Weixin, president of CIIDS, there has been a significant increase in the participation of representatives from Global South countries at this year's conference. Approximately 200 delegates from 72 countries and regions, which includes a remarkable 70% representation from Global South countries, are expected to attend, with many being first-time participants. This showcases the growing influence of the Understanding China Conference as a vital international platform for empowering Global South nations to learn from China's modernization experience, fostering a shared community for the future of humanity.

With these discussions, the conference not only sheds light on operational strategies but seeks to build international relationships aimed at enhancing global understanding and cooperation. Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of discussions and insights that aim to shape the discourse on modernization and governance on a global scale.

For more information about the conference, visit CIIDS.