Scholars see opportunities in reform

With the theme of "China's Reform, Opportunities for the World," the Sixth World Forum on China Studies, held in Shanghai on Friday and Saturday, brings together scholars to discuss a range of topics on China's reform in the current global setting.

"The forum is an important open-minded platform, and with the help from every honorable guest will enhance the relationship and understanding between China and the world," said Shanghai Mayor Yang Xiong.

Over 200 scholars and opinion leaders of different professions and cultural backgrounds shared their thoughts on China's relationship with other countries.

"Since the reform and opening up of the country over 30 years ago, China has become more localized and globalized through years of reform, which present the world with China's power, creation, option, wisdom and value," Jiang Jianguo, Minister of the State Council Information Office, said at the opening ceremony of the forum.

On the world stage, China has grown to play more important roles in the export and import market, has become one of the top three trade partners for almost 200 countries and regions, and aims to be the largest importing country in the near future.

"China is ready to take a turn from being the factory of the world to being the market of the world," said Hu Angang, a professor with Tsinghua University's school of public policy and management.

He expected China will account for 20 percent of the global economy in 2020.

The relationship between the United States and China is also a hot topic mentioned frequently at the forum by scholars seeking to create win-win results.

"China has to maintain the balance among external commitments and domestic needs, as the US and China relations are not just between the leaders, but also based from society to society in different levels," said David Lampton, director of the China Studies Program at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

Martin Jacques, a Senior Fellow of Cambridge University, also pointed out that China's impact on Western countries has kept rising with its continuous reform, which will attract more countries to deepen relations with China.

The forum also recognized four veteran scholars for their lifelong dedication and great contribution to Chinese studies.

The World Forum on China Studies is a Shanghai-based biennial academic event jointly organized by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and the Shanghai Municipal Information Office.

During the two-day forum, nine round-table meetings around the hot topics including the Belt and Road Initiative, China's new normal of sustainable economic development and the current situation and future of China studies will be organized.