The 2025 Understanding China Conference, themed "New Plan, New Development, New Choices -- Chinese Modernization and New Vision for Global Governance," was held in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, on Monday.

After years of development, the Understanding China Conference has become one of the most influential platforms for the world to understand China.

Based on long-term exploration and practice, China has successfully advanced and expanded Chinese modernization through theoretical innovation and practical breakthroughs.

"Marked by the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the exploration of Chinese modernization has further dispelled the myth that modernization equals westernization, offering a new choice for Global South countries in their path toward modernization," said Zheng Bijian, founding chairman of the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, speaking on stage at the event.

Currently, the proposed Five-Year Plan prioritizes significant progress in high-quality development, enhanced technological self-reliance, and steady improvements in people's quality of life.

Speakers at the event also emphasized that China's modernization must be understood within the context of global trends and shifts in the balance of power.

"Today, as we reflect on the shifting global trends, we should focus more on how to help countries around the world -- especially the West -- understand China," said Li Cheng, director of the Centre on Contemporary China and the World at the University of Hong Kong.

Others underscored that China's reform momentum and development prospects may provide new opportunities for Global South countries and for world economic growth through technological innovation and win-win cooperation.

"China has stated the goal of developing new quality productive forces by promoting digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, integration and the digital transformation of traditional industries, which could set a global precedent," said Mulatu Teshome, former President of Ethiopia.