Following the conclusion of the 20th CPC Central Committee's Fourth Plenary Session and this year's National Two Sessions, a special briefing was held in Jiangsu on 24 March for representatives from various sectors, including foreign enterprises in Jiangsu, foreign chambers of commerce, offices of global sister cities, international experts and scholars, Jiangsu Friendship Ambassadors, Youth Friendship Ambassadors, and Hong Kong and Macao compatriots living in the province.

Understanding the guiding principles of the plenum and the "two sessions" is of great significance for grasping China's development direction and policy priorities, as well as Jiangsu's growth opportunities. Foreign investors, for instance, can gain a clear picture of the province's business environment and have confidence in reinvestment.

The briefing provided a comprehensive interpretation of key topics, including the significance of the Fourth Plenary Session, the achievements of China's economic and social development during the 14th Five-Year Plan, and the main goals and strategic tasks outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan. This was delivered by Professor Xu Kangning, member of the Jiangsu Publicity Team and Deputy Director of the Institute for the Development of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics at Southeast University.

"Formulating and implementing medium-term and long-term development plans has long been a key instrument of governance in China. From the first Five-Year Plan to the 15th, China has consistently followed a clear development blueprint, achieving historic milestones in human development", Xu said. "The 15th Five-Year Plan marks a pivotal five-year period for progressing socialist modernization. It emphasizes accelerating the construction of a modern industrial system, strengthening technological self-reliance, expanding a robust domestic market, deepening high-level opening-up, and promoting common prosperity for all. These priorities inject strong momentum into China’s modernization with Chinese characteristics."

Among the participants, Holger Hanisch, Director of Sino-German Institute for Legal Studies, run by Nanjing University and University of Göttingen, noted that it had been over 30 years since his last visit to China. "During these three decades, I have closely followed China's transformation", he said. "China has made remarkable progress in securing basic livelihoods, advancing education, and safeguarding personal freedoms. It is steadily moving toward its ambitious goals with a clear development blueprint and path, which is impressive."

Thomas Simon, Professor at the Nanjing University–Johns Hopkins University Center for US-China Cultural Studies, commented: "I teach artificial intelligence courses, so I closely follow AI developments. A few years ago, I was advised to limit contact with Chinese developers, but this is no longer the case. China treats AI as critical infrastructure, which I see as a highly beneficial approach, in contrast to more fragmented systems elsewhere."

Bankuwiha Etienne, a Burundi sinologist who has received a letter from President Xi Jinping, shared: "Being able to study and live in China is itself a result of China's openness. The 15th Five-Year Plan emphasizes opening up and deepening mutual learning among civilizations. I hope to actively promote collaboration between China and Burundi."

Ven Mmarthuwela Vijithasiri Thero, a Sri Lankan student at Nanjing Normal University, said: "Studying in Nanjing, I have witnessed China's technological and industrial progress. This briefing gave me a clear understanding of how China's five-year planning system has guided development over the years."

Hu Keying, Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Nanjing Office, added: "Jiangsu has long supported Hong Kong Jiangsu cooperation, especially in laboratory development. Hong Kong professionals are eager to collaborate with Jiangsu labs. I feel Jiangsu government’s determination to promote deeper cooperation, and I look forward to applying the insights from today's meeting to further strengthen Hong Kong-Jiangsu collaboration."

The briefing was co-hosted by the Jiangsu Provincial Foreign Affairs Office and Information Office. The main venue was in Nanjing, with venues in 12 other Jiangsu cities. The event drew over 500 participants who attended in person or online.