The Understanding China Conference recently took place in Guangzhou, China, focusing on China’s New Endeavors Amid Unprecedented Global Changes — Expanding the Convergence of Interests and Building a Community of Shared Future. During the conference, Cui Tiankai, former Chinese Ambassador to the United States, emphasized the importance of a precise narrative to understand China’s essence. He debunked three mistaken assumptions about China’s foreign policy and highlighted the distinct diplomatic style of China, referring to it as the Sun Wukong style.
The conference also paid tribute to the late Henry Alfred Kissinger, former US Secretary of State, who passed away on November 29. Professor Huang Renwei, Distinguished Vice President of China Institute for Innovation & Development Strategy, recognized Kissinger’s contributions to global strategic stability and his vision for world leadership. He described Kissinger’s passing as ushering in a new chapter in international relations, sparking a fresh period of insight and knowledge.
The Understanding China Conference, hosted by the China Institute for Innovation & Development Strategy, brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss China’s evolving narrative and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The keynote speech from Cui Tiankai shed light on misconceptions about China’s foreign policy and showcased the unique diplomatic style that embodies China’s values and cultural aspects.
The passing of Henry Kissinger, an iconic figure in international relations, was also acknowledged at the conference. Kissinger’s pursuit of global strategic stability and his expansive vision for world leadership left a lasting impact on the international community. His death marked the end of an era but also opened doors to a new phase in global affairs.
The Understanding China Conference served as a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas, fostering a better understanding of China’s evolving role in the world. It provided an opportunity for experts and scholars to analyze and address the challenges and opportunities presented by China’s narrative in the context of unprecedented global changes.
With cognitive and narrative issues being central to Sino-US relations, Cui Tiankai’s speech highlighted the need for a precise narrative to grasp the essence of China. By debunking misconceptions about China’s foreign policy, he aimed to provide a more accurate understanding of China’s strategic intentions, peripheral foreign policy, and diplomatic style. The reference to the Sun Wukong style emphasized China’s loyalty, steadfastness, discernment, capability, and the influence of its unique cultural aspects.
Overall, the Understanding China Conference shed light on the narrative challenges and opportunities within China’s evolving role in global affairs. It emphasized the importance of understanding China’s essence through a precise narrative and recognized the passing of Henry Kissinger as a catalyst for a new era in international relations. By facilitating dialogue and exchange of ideas, the conference aimed to promote a better understanding of China’s role in the world and foster cooperation and shared interests among nations.
