2023 Understanding China Conference (Guangzhou), co-hosted by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy (CIIDS), the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, and organized by the People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality, was successfully held from December 1 to 3 in Guangzhou. Li Shulei, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of CPC Central Committee, attended the opening ceremony, read out President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter and delivered a keynote speech. Huang Kunming, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the Secretary of CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. Wang Chao, President of the CPIFA, chaired the plenary session, spoke at the welcome dinner and the 10 Years of Understanding China Conference Art Performance. Shi Ling, Vice President of the CPIFA, attended the press conferences.
 
Over 600 guests from home and abroad participated in the conference online and offline. Among them, there are politicians, strategists, scholars, entrepreneurs from over 30 countries including Mulatu Teshome, former President of Ethiopia, Wolfgang Schussel, former Chancellor of Austria, Yves Leterme, former Prime Minister of Belgium, Essam Sharaf, former Prime Minister of Egypt, Ishmael Kalsakau, former Prime Minister of Vanuatu. Besides, foreign diplomats and representatives from international organizations and transnational corporations and leading members from Chinese ministries, commissions and local governments also participated in the conference.
 
The theme of this year’s conference is “China's New Endeavors amid Unprecedented Global Changes---Expanding the Convergence of Interests and Building A Community of Shared Future.” Altogether 76   activities were held including the opening ceremony, keynote speeches, plenary speeches, luncheon speech, parallel sessions, thematic sessions, closed-door sessions, thematic events on understanding Guangzhou.