Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the third Understanding China Conference, which opened Sunday in Beijing and welcomed participants from both across China and around the world.

With the theme being China's new growth drivers and new opportunities for global cooperation, the conference will see more than 40 international participants from political, academic and business circles engage in in-depth discussions and exchange of ideas on topics such as the redoubling of reform and opening-up efforts, pursuing socialism with Chinese characteristics in a new era, and building a community of shared future for mankind.

Xi expressed hope that the participants build consensus, help the world better understand China, and promote exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world to achieve common development and prosperity.

Xi said China is willing to work with other countries to actively promote the establishment of a new type of international relations of mutual respect, fairness and justice and win-win cooperation, and make bigger contributions to world peace and development.

Xi noted that this year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. Through the 40 years, China has come closer to the world, he said, adding that China will continue to deepen reform and expand opening-up in a comprehensive way.

The conference is co-hosted by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and the 21st Century Council of the Berggruen Institute. The previous two conferences were held in Beijing in 2013 and 2015.