'Understanding the Chinese Nation' seminar explores unity in diversity and shared development

The international seminar “Understanding the Chinese Nation: Unity in Diversity for Common Development” was held on Dec 4 in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, as part of the 2024 Understanding China Conference.

Co-organized by China Ethnic Pictorial and the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, the event gathered around 20 domestic and international experts, scholars, and government officials to discuss key topics on civilization and development.

Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on "Unity in Diversity and Maintaining the Diversity of Human Civilization" and "Common Development and Building a New Model for Human Progress".

Yu Yunquan, vice-president of China International Communications Group (CICG) and president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, delivered the opening address. He highlighted that understanding China requires a deep appreciation of the Chinese nation’s enduring history, unity in diversity, and inclusive civilization.

Yu called for greater efforts in advancing theoretical interpretations, promoting knowledge-sharing, and leveraging AI to enhance communication and foster mutual understanding between civilizations.

Yang Xinhua, editor-in-chief of China Ethnic Pictorial, chaired the seminar, emphasizing the dual identity of the Chinese nation as both an ancient civilization with a 5,000-year history and a vibrant, modern society.

Yang noted that the journey of China’s modernization reflects peaceful development, fairness, and innovation, offering shared wisdom for humanity.

Distinguished participants included Zhou Shuchun, executive vice-chairman of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development; Chen Zhimin, vice-president of Fudan University; Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former prime minister of Pakistan; and Martin Jacques, senior fellow at Tsinghua University.

The seminar also explored the historical evolution of the Chinese nation’s pluralistic unity and its path to modernization, highlighting its significance in addressing global challenges and promoting international cooperation.

Participants agreed that China’s success in fostering harmony and shared progress among its ethnic groups offers valuable lessons for global governance and sustainable development.

The seminar was part of the larger 2024 Understanding China Conference, held from Dec 2–4 under the theme “Carry Through the Reform to the End: Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities for World Development”.

Since its launch in 2013, the conference has become one of the most influential platforms for understanding China’s development strategies and fostering global dialogue.