GUANGZHOU, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 2024 Understanding China Conference took place on December 3 at the Guangzhou Yuexiu International Congress Center. Over 600 participants from political, strategic, business, academic, and think tank sectors, both domestic and international, attended. The conference, themed “Carrying Reform Forward: Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities for World Development,” was organized by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, and the Guangdong Provincial Government.
The Understanding China Conference has become an important international platform for dialogue on China’s development strategy, drawing increasing interest from participants around the world. This year's conference saw a significant rise in international representation, with over 100 delegates from overseas, including Hong Kong and Macao, attending. The attendees included nine former heads of state, 16 ministerial-level officials, two ambassadors to China, and other key leaders from various fields. This diverse participation underscores the conference's growing global relevance as a forum for international dialogue and consensus-building.
The event featured a broad range of activities, including keynote speeches at the opening ceremony, six parallel seminars, 14 thematic forums, two closed-door discussions, and multiple supporting activities. It also attracted over 100 media outlets from both China and abroad, highlighting its role in fostering international engagement.
During the conference, discussions centered on the ongoing reforms and the path of Chinese modernization, emphasizing how these efforts align with global development goals. High-quality development in China was presented as not only beneficial for the country's population but also as having positive implications for global growth and stability. Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome noted that China's progress presents new opportunities for international development and cooperation.
This year's event highlighted the global significance of China’s reforms and the progress of Chinese-style modernization, emphasizing how these changes can contribute to global development in a collaborative manner. The conference agenda focused on demonstrating the characteristics and achievements of Chinese modernization, addressing international questions about China’s reform trajectory, and exploring China's commitment to expanding its global engagement. Key topics included the unity of China’s diverse ethnic groups, cultural preservation in historically significant cities, and the innovative development of women’s leadership.
The conference aimed to foster cultural exchange, promote understanding, and encourage collaboration across borders, helping to bridge cultural differences through dialogue and shared learning.