The 2023 Understanding China Conference (UCC) was held in Guangzhou from December 1 to 3. Economic topics such as growth drivers, industrial trends, and global partnerships were frequently discussed at the conference.
Official statistics show that trade between China and the EU reached 847.3 billion USD in 2022, a 2.4 percent increase from the previous year. Over the past 20 years, EU investment in China has nearly tripled, and China's investment in the EU has grown from zero to the current 104.4 billion USD.
Yves Leterme, Former Prime Minister of Belgium, indicated that the fundamental cooperation between the European Union and China is dynamic and positive. "We have to solve our issues at the political level without compromising safety and security, which could hinder progress," said Leterme.
Bert Hofman, Director of the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, believes that manufacturing has been relatively strong in China, particularly in the fields of electric vehicles and new energy. He added that international talent could find cooperation opportunities in China as the country has devoted itself to high-value-added industries.
"Globalization reflects the fact that economic integration, particularly in the US-China relationship, is based on economic considerations," said Stephen Roach, Senior Fellow at Yale University. He further stated that globalization should focus more on improving countries' economies while reducing fear, anxiety, and political pressures.
"China is performing well at a significantly higher level compared to the 1970s. One of the main reasons is the opening up of the market economy," said Peter Jungen, Chairman of Peter Jungen Holding GmbH. He emphasized that the world should shift its focus from economic growth rates to China's structural reforms, which also contribute to creating a favorable environment for foreign direct investment.
Reporter丨Nina, Jasmine, Clarice
Video | Axin, Wingheng
Poster | Mia
Editor丨Olivia, Nan, James
