The Third International Democracy Forum focusing on democracy kicked off in Beijing on Wednesday. Officials and experts discussed how to realize democracy in the modern and digital age. Our reporter Cen Ziyuan has the latest.

Democracy is a shared human value.

Nearly 300 officials and experts from more than 70 countries and regions sent out this key message from the Chinese capital on Wednesday.

This is the third International Forum on Democracy that's being held in Beijing.

Li Shulei, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

His speech is on how Chinese-style democracy creates a "Chinese miracle" and how whole-process people's democracy has boosted democratic efficacy.

LI SHULEI Member of the Political Bureau, Member of the Secretariat, Head, Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee "Chinese-style democracy always revolves around and serves Chinese-style modernization. It always takes solving the urgent and challenging issues of the people as its starting point and ultimate goal, and actively responding to and meeting the diverse needs and expectations of the people. In China, from major national policies to social governance, from basic needs to education, employment, medical care, and elderly care – people have a place to express their wishes and appeals. The people see changes and receive actual benefits. These efforts help realize democratic values aligned with democratic efficacy."

The hosts say democracy should not be defined by any country, but a right for the people of all countries to enjoy.

GAO XIANG President, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences "Contemporary China's democratic system is rooted in the excellent traditional culture nurtured by 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. It continues to innovate and develop in the practice of ensuring that the people are the masters of the country. The Communist Party of China proposes and develops whole-process people's democracy, and continuously transforms the value and concept into scientific and effective institutional arrangements and concrete and realistic democratic practices."

The transformation of new productivity should break the norm in democratic discussions, allowing countries to find the creative path to pursue democracy.

SHEN HAIXIONG Deputy Head, Publicity Department of CPC Central Committee, President and Editor-in-Chief, China Media Group "The world is still not peaceful, and we need mutual respect, unity and cooperation more than ever. We will better promote the transformation of new productivity into new communication and media leadership, and use fairness and justice to break the erosion of 'discourse hegemony' and 'colored glasses' on the global democratic ecology. Democracy is neither a 'patented product' nor a 'single-choice question.' It is undemocratic to look at this colorful political civilization from a monotonous and rigid perspective."

Foreign leaders and officials have shared the same views saying democracy should not be a singular choice and does not fit the needs of developing the global south.

The speeches will inspire discussions at sub-forums during the afternoon, exploring democracy in four areas: modernized governance, legal governance in the digital era, AI-innovated future, and global governance in the multi-polarized world.

CEN ZIYUAN Beijing "Chinese President Xi Jinping once said, the way to realize democracy is diverse. It is not a particular rigid model, but should fit the needs of the country and its people. Officials and experts say they hope the forum will serve as a platform allowing more voices to be heard, so they can achieve their pursuit of democracy that fits their development needs. Cen Ziyuan, CGTN, Beijing."