High-Level International Exchange at the 2024 Understanding China Conference

The 2024 Understanding China Conference, themed “Carry Through the Reform to the End - Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities for World Development,” is currently taking place in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province. The conference runs from Monday through Wednesday, drawing a diverse group of nearly 600 attendees from both domestic and international backgrounds, with a notable increase in the number of foreign participants compared to previous gatherings.

Ahead of the conference, Ding Xuexiang, a member of the CPC Central Committee’s Political Bureau and Vice Premier of the State Council, held a meeting with international delegates in Beijing. During this discussion, he emphasized China’s commitment to achieving national rejuvenation through a uniquely Chinese approach to modernization. He outlined a resolve to push reforms to completion, expand high-level opening-up, and engage in high-quality development that balances qualitative improvements with reasonable quantitative growth in the economy. Furthermore, Ding reassured that China would continue to pursue peaceful development, aiming to bring more stability and predictability to the global stage.

Prominent figures and commentators from around the world have shared their positive impressions. Former Ethiopian president Mulatu Teshome and Belgium’s former prime minister Yves Leterme, among others, communicated their optimism about China’s developmental trajectory and expressed interest in supporting global efforts to better understand the nation. Maria João Rodrigues, a former Portuguese minister and influential think tank figure, emphasized the importance of global partnership, particularly between China and Europe, to enhance global governance and address worldwide challenges.

Another international observer, Kyle Ferrana, an American author, noted China’s significant role on the global stage. He pointed out that China not only serves as a major trading partner for many countries but also leads as a renewable energy powerhouse. Ferrana suggested that China’s model offers an alternative to conventional economic systems, underpinning his belief that China represents a viable alternative to neoliberal capitalism.

Jointly organized by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province—with the People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality as the host—the conference promises an engaging platform for dialogue on China’s future development and its broader impact on world development. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, setting the stage for further high-level discussions on the evolving global landscape.