The 2025 Understanding China Conference is being held in Guangzhou from November 30 to December 2, under the theme "New Plan, New Development, New Choices: Chinese Modernization and New Vision for Global Governance." Approximately 200 delegates from 72 countries, along with representatives from the Hong Kong and Macao SARs, will attend the conference.
"The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is the Silicon Valley of China," said Romano Prodi, former Italian Prime Minister and former President of the European Commission, in a recent interview. He noted that with its unique geographical advantages, it will play an even more important role in promoting the technological and economic development of China and the world in the future.
Innovation to drive China's next Five-Year Plan
"Now, China is a leader in most new mass products, like solar energy, wind batteries, and electric cars." He expects China's focus to center on technology, scientific innovation, and high-quality development. He mentioned that the coming years will be crucial for "filling gaps" in key areas like semiconductors.
Looking ahead to China's next Five-Year Plan period, Prodi stated that the country is "obliged to guide" the evolution of global economic and trade relations simply because it has become the world's largest player in many fields.
Prodi also pointed to China's rapidly expanding scientific talent base, which he believes will further accelerate innovation. Measures encouraging high-tech talent mobility and incentives for scientists signal, in his view, a deliberate national strategy to strengthen technological competitiveness.
Boosting China-EU cooperation through dialogue and talent exchange
When discussing international cooperation, Prodi called for deeper scientific and cultural exchanges between China and Europe. He stressed that even during periods of political tension, academic dialogue and two-way flows of scholars and students must continue, as they form the foundation for long-term mutual understanding and shared development.
Prodi underscored that Europe and China, two economic giants of comparable scale, should reinforce cooperation to avoid global economic fragmentation. Enhanced research collaboration, university partnerships, and joint innovation projects would benefit both sides and contribute to global stability.
Reporter | Dai Bosi
Photo | Zeng Xiangxing
Script | Hu Nan
Editor | Ouyang Yan, Hu Nan, Ou Xiaoming, James Campion, Shen He
