The Understanding China Conference (UCC)

The Understanding China Conference (UCC) was launched by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy (CIIDS) in 2013 in collaboration with the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, the People’s Governments of  Guangdong Province and renowned overseas think tanks. A CIIDS flagship international event, the UCC invites globally recognized statesmen, strategists, business leaders, academics and media professionals to join their Chinese counterparts for in-depth dialogues, and has well established itself over the years as one of the most influential platforms for the world to understand China’s development strategies.

President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the UCC and has been providing strong support for it, having met with the international guests in-person three times, sent over five congratulatory messages, and delivered one video opening speech over the years. In March 2020, with the approval of the central authorities, the UCC was officially recognized as a regular feature on China’s diplomatic and international communication calendar, held annually after the closing of the plenum of the CPC Central Committee or the CPC National Congress to interpret to the world such gatherings’ guiding principles and the ruling party’s state-governing practices. The secretariat of the UCC runs its operations within the office headquarters of CIIDS in Beijing.

The 2025 Understanding China Conference (Guangzhou), the ninth of its kind, will convene in Guangzhou from November 30 to December 2, under the theme of “New Plan, New Development, New Choices——Chinese Modernization and New Vision for Global Governance”. Focusing on the 15th Five-Year Plan and its global significance, the Conference will explore topics such as the new innovative pathways to the Chinese modernization, the new opportunities they will bring for advancing the world modernization, and joint actions to implement the Global Governance Initiative. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the guiding principles of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Conference aims to thoroughly expound on the 15th Five-Year Plan, help the international community gain a better understanding of China, and encourage their joint efforts with China to build a community with a shared future for humanity. Additionally, the Conference will fully promote the potential, vitality and charm of the Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area as a world-class bay area, highlighting its important position in the process of advancing Chinese modernization.