For this 23rd edition, we were very pleased to have Dr. Yang Jiemian, Director General of Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) to be the event’s main speaker. In his presentation and connection with audiences, we all learned that China envisions a future world order that is more multipolar, economically interconnected, and based on principles of multilateralism and cooperation, where it plays a central role in shaping global affairs. China sees the future world order as increasingly multipolar, with power being more evenly distributed among multiple major players. It advocates for a world where no single country or bloc dominates global affairs, seeking to diminish the influence of traditional Western powers like the United States and promote a more balanced international system. While advocating for a multipolar world, China also emphasizes the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and pandemics. It supports institutions like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO) while also pushing for reforms to make these institutions more representative and inclusive of developing countries' interests.

This is the first time ChinaTalk series has received a physical participation of an esteemed mainland Chinese speaker. For years, China Talk serves as a platform not only for deepening our understanding of China but also for fostering a reciprocal exchange of perspectives. While it provides an invaluable opportunity for us to gain further insights into various aspects of China, it also offers China itself an opportunity to gain insights into how it is perceived by the global community.