Beijing's Mingde Strategic Dialogue 2025 concluded this week with global thought leaders highlighting China's growing influence in redefining globalization. Hosted by Renmin University of China, the two-day forum brought together policymakers, academics, and media representatives from over 15 countries and regions to discuss 'Chinese Modernization: New Drivers of Globalization.'
Romano Prodi, former Italian prime minister and European Commission president, set the tone at the opening ceremony by declaring: 'Globalization now wears two faces – one of integration, another of fragmentation.' The veteran statesman praised China's technological advancements and called for enhanced EU-China collaboration in trade and governance, stating Beijing's modernization model offers 'a blueprint for equitable development.'
In a candid interview with CGTN, Prodi warned against escalating trade barriers: 'Tariff wars leave only casualties. Our interconnected economies demand dialogue, not ultimatums.' His remarks come as China marks four decades of reform that transformed it into a US$18 trillion economy while contributing to 30% of global growth annually since 2013.
Panelists examined how China's digital Silk Road initiatives and green energy investments are creating new globalization pathways. Development economist Dr. Maria Santos noted: 'From AI infrastructure in Southeast Asia to solar farms in Africa, China's modernization strategy is rewriting the rules of international cooperation.'
As geopolitical tensions test multilateral systems, the forum concluded with a resolution urging nations to leverage China's scale and innovation capabilities to address climate challenges and supply chain vulnerabilities. With 68% of global executives surveyed by PwC prioritizing China partnerships, the dialogue underscores Beijing's evolving role as an architect of 21st-century globalization.
