BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a pivotal message at the opening ceremony of the international Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum in Beijing, a gathering of representatives from 130 nations, with the central focus on China’s extensive trade and infrastructure project.
Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin, undertaking his first major international journey since Russia’s Ukraine invasion, was a prominent guest, holding discussions with President Xi during the forum. Amid these talks, the Israel-Hamas conflict cast a significant shadow over the proceedings.
President Xi emphasized China’s stance against “economic coercion” and “bloc confrontation,” firmly opposing unilateral sanctions, economic coercion, decoupling, and delinking. He stressed the vital role of global economic interdependence in today’s world.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) seeks to bolster policy, infrastructure, trade, financial, and people-to-people connectivity with the overarching goal of injecting fresh impetus into the global economy. President Xi underscored the importance of win-win cooperation in achieving successful development.
Concluding his address, President Xi emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative, originating in China, holds achievements and opportunities that extend to the world at large. He highlighted the significance of deepening cooperation with BRI partners and working toward the modernization of all participating countries.
In his address to forum delegates, Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded the BRI initiative as an unexpected “success story.” He drew attention to the global dimensions of the initiative and its positive impact.
Throughout the forum, the two leaders engaged in discussions covering various aspects of their cooperation. During an official banquet, President Xi made reference to recent geopolitical conflicts while emphasizing the prevailing trend toward peace.
As international concerns mount over the Israel-Hamas conflict, the United States has called upon China to leverage its influence to help de-escalate the situation, while Russia has actively advocated for an “immediate ceasefire.” China’s special envoy, Zhai Jun, is expected to push for a ceasefire and peace talks, although specific travel details have not yet been disclosed.