European stocks close higher Monday

European stock markets ended higher on Monday.

The United Kingdom's FTSE 100 index gained 0.29 percent to close at 10,761.33 points. France's CAC 40 index increased by 0.98 percent to finish at 8,047.69 points. Germany's DAX index rose 0.63 percent to end the session at 25,981.09 points.

A global dialogue on China's governance and world development was held in Washington, D.C. on Monday, bringing together nearly 100 guests, including U.S. think tank scholars and young representatives, to discuss China's governance experience and its contributions to the world.

The event was co-hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and the Chinese Embassy in the United States.

According to attendees, understanding today's China requires understanding the Communist Party of China (CPC). The recently concluded fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which drew worldwide attention, reviewed the Party's achievements and experience in full and rigorous self-governance in the new era and made systematic plans for sustaining these efforts, and will surely have a profound impact on China's future development.

They noted that as once-in-a-century changes accelerate and humanity once again stands at a crossroads, more and more countries and political parties are drawing inspiration from China's governance and seeking a development path suited to their own national conditions.

"China being such a leader in the world generally, a lot of countries will follow China's example. When I do learn about different Chinese advancements, it's been really nice to see that a lot of the research and technology that they are sharing is a lot more environmentally sustainable, I think," said Stephanie, a student at American University.

Some attendees said China's resilient and dynamic economy is the most important engine for the world economy and stability, and will continue to contribute positively to global governance.

They also expressed the hope that people-to-people exchanges between China and the U.S. can transcend cultural and institutional differences so that, through mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation, the two countries can jointly address global challenges and create a better future for humanity.

During the dialogue session, U.S. media leaders and young representatives shared their experiences in China and discussed China's achievements in modernization, analyzing the strong momentum of China's scientific and technological progress.

They noted that China's notable achievements in fields such as green energy transition offer inspiration and reference for global sustainable development. Young representatives from China and the U.S. expressed their hope to strengthen exchanges in science, technology and innovation and contribute to cooperation between the two countries.

China announced an initiative in November 2023 to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study over five years. The goal was reached two and a half years ahead of schedule.

During a visit to the U.S. in September, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that 100,000 young Americans will be invited to visit China for exchanges and study over the next five years.

"[For the] initiative for 100,000 students to come back within the next five years, he's already accomplished his first goal, which was five years. He did it in two and a half years. Now he's got a new goal. That's what the young people want," said Ronald Sakolsky, a retired American teacher.