The 2025 Understanding China Conference opened in Guangzhou on December 1. This annual event brings together leaders, thinkers, and media voices, offering the international community a chance to observe China's modernization firsthand and engage directly with Chinese policymakers and experts.
At this year's conference, one trend stands out: a remarkable rise in participation from Global South countries. The "Maritime Silk Road" media delegation, organized by South of Nanfang Media Group (Nanfang Daily), is among the participants. It aims to gain deeper insights into Chinese modernization and better "understand China."
For many delegates, China's rapid transformation—driven by long-term strategic planning and consistent leadership—offers lessons for countries navigating their own development challenges. Stevenson Liu, Director of the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation, highlighted China's "tradition of caring and sharing" and praised the country's "consistent leadership," which he believes is key to its impressive progress.
Fiji Sun editor Leone Kacimaimuri Cabenatabua expressed his hopes of learning from China's approach to infrastructure, modernization, and governance. Referring to China's Five-Year Plan system, he noted that its strength lies in execution: "They put goals in place from provinces to districts, right down to the grassroots. That makes it awesome," he said. He added that if China can achieve development with the world's largest population, smaller nations should also find confidence in building strong institutional structures.
Fiji Sun journalist Maitoga Nagatalevu emphasized the tangible impact of China's cooperation in Fiji, including construction projects that have reshaped the country's urban landscape. She believes the conference will open doors to further opportunities.
From Malaysia, The Sun editor Himanshu Bhatt Arunkumar echoed the message that modernization should not be equated with Westernization. He stressed that China's experience offers valuable insights for Global South countries pursuing development paths suited to their own realities. "A country as advanced as China, which has gone through this massive challenge, is generous and always open to sharing," said Himanshu.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Video: Qin Shaolong
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, Ou Xiaoming, James Campion, Shen He, Ouyang Yan
