The Understanding China Conference 2020 commenced Friday in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, facilitating multi-faceted and in-depth discussions to enhance mutual understanding between China and the rest of the world.

Themed "Huge Shake-up, Big Test, Great Cooperation -- China's New March Toward Modernization and a Community of a Shared Future for Humanity," the three-day event has attracted more than 600 celebrated politicians, strategists, scholars and entrepreneurs, as well as representatives of international organizations, according to its organizers.

The conference is being held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought big challenges for China and major changes to the world, Li Junru, head of the China Institute for Innovation & Development Strategy, said at a press briefing before the conference.

Participants are expected to attend discussions, seminars and forums online and offline, concerning 10 topics such as China's new development pattern, security, global governance and economic recovery.

Launched in 2013, the Understanding China Conference has served as a platform for the world to understand China's development.

This year's conference marks the fifth of its kind. It is the second time that the conference has been held in Guangzhou.