The seventh World Forum on China Studies, themed "China In a New Era," opened Sunday in Shanghai.

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

The forum is dedicated to reflecting upon global challenges while fostering an informed understanding between China and the rest of the world.

Jiang Jianguo, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and minister of the State Council Information Office, made a keynote speech on understanding China in the new era.

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said during his keynote speech that the world has a natural interest in understanding what China is doing as it directly affects practically every country.

Experts attending the forum said China will provide more opportunities for world development, open up further, deepen communication with different cultures and contribute more to establishing a global community with a shared future.

Founded in 2004, the Forum on China studies has convened 10 times, including six forums, one special conference and three overseas symposiums.

This year's two-day event has drawn 180 scholars from over 30 countries and regions.