Journalists covering the 2024 Understanding China Conference enter the conference venue in Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong province,
Dec 3, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua)
A Shared Future: Understanding China’s Contribution to Global Development
President Xi Jinping emphasized on Tuesday that the Chinese path to modernization aligns with the desire of 1.4 billion people for a better future, and will continue to potentially accelerate global peace and development. He expressed these sentiments in a congratulatory message to the two-day 2024 Understanding China Conference (Guangzhou), which began Tuesday in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province.
Deepening Reform for a Modern China
Xi stressed the importance of comprehending China’s commitment to deepening reform across all areas, it’s building up a high-standard socialist market economy, and expanding institutional openness as key aspects of how they are advancing Chinese modernization.
Xi highlighted China’s proactive alignment with international economic and trade regulations to create a transparent, stable, and predictable institutional environment.
He noted that with unprecedented global shifts underway, nations face accelerating risks and challenges alongside emerging development possibilities.
China looks forward, he said, to building a network of global cooperation to address shared challenges and unlock development opportunities. He envisioned China’s modernization model as one featuring peaceful development, mutual benefit, shared prosperity, and a collaborative effort to build a brighter future for all humanity.
The Relevance of the Chinese Model
Political
leaders, business experts, academics, and international organization representatives gathered at the conference to discuss how the Chinese path to modernization could serve as
a model for the wider world, particularly for developing countries.
Former Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel remarked, “This is a breathtaking success story — the development of a very poor country, [becoming] a big country, now the second-largest economy in the world.”
Schüssel, emphasizing the importance of active listening, said understanding China involves absorbing the nation’s own broad priorities, thoughts, interests, and concerns as well as the challenges and benefits it encounters.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi applauded China’s rapid development, emphasizing its contribution to global economic growth and inclusive growth.
He added that
China had lifted 800 million people from poverty in recent decades.
Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome highlighted China’s remarkable economic growth over the past 40 years, suggesting that its development and prosperity present considerable opportunities for developing countries. He lauded the Global Belt and Road Initiative, stating that it had not only built valuable key infrastructure like roads and ports, but envisaged establishment of long-term partnerships to trigger economic development in participating countries.
– What are the key elements of the “Chinese path” to modernization according to President Xi Jinping?
## Interview with Dr. Lin Wei, China Expert
**Host:** Welcome to Global Modernization This Week. Today we’re discussing President Xi Jinping’s recent remarks at the Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou. Joining us is Dr. Lin Wei, a renowned expert on Chinese politics and economics. Dr. Wei, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Wei:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** President Xi emphasized that the Chinese path to modernization reflects the aspirations of its 1.4 billion people. What does this ”Chinese path” entail?
**Dr. Wei:** President Xi highlights a few key elements. Firstly, it’s about deepening reforms across all sectors. This means further progressing towards a high-standard socialist market economy and increasing institutional openness.
**Host:** He also mentioned aligning with international economic and trade regulations. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Wei:** Absolutely. President Xi stressed the importance of creating a transparent, stable, and predictable environment for international business and investment. This shows China’s commitment to integrating further into the global economy. [[1](https://apnews.com/article/congress-xi-jinping-beijing-china-government-and-politics-36f8476c2f604282c08178d661111686)]
**Host:** The world is facing significant challenges, from economic instability to geopolitical tensions. How does President Xi see China’s role in addressing these issues?
**Dr. Wei:** According to President Xi, China aims to contribute to global peace and development by sharing its modernization experience and promoting international cooperation. He believes that despite the difficulties, there are also emerging development opportunities.
**Host:** Dr. Wei, thank you for providing valuable insights into President Xi’s vision for China’s future and its impact on the global stage.
**Dr. Wei:** My pleasure.
