BEIJING: China announced on Wednesday (Oct 11) it will host a gathering of foreign leaders next week to celebrate a decade of its Belt and Road infrastructure project, with Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to attend.
The Belt and Road is a landmark project in President Xi Jinping’s bid to expand China’s clout overseas, with Beijing saying this week it had now inked over two trillion dollars in contracts around the world.
Critics have long accused China of luring lower-income countries into debt traps by offering huge, unaffordable loans through the initiative, however.
Representatives from over 130 countries are due to take part in the event, with Xi set to deliver an opening speech and hold a welcoming banquet for foreign leaders.
It is the third forum of its kind since China launched the vast investment initiative, with events previously held in 2017 and 2019.
Russian President Putin has said he will attend the event, in what will be his first visit to China since his war in Ukraine threw him into international isolation.
Top Russian diplomat Sergei Lavrov will also attend and hold talks with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Moscow said.
China and Russia describe each other as strategic allies, frequently touting their “no limits” partnership and economic and military cooperation.
They came even closer following the invasion of Ukraine, with the Kremlin seeking to deepen ties with Beijing after finding itself increasingly ostracised by the West.
China has refused to condemn the war, and has tried to position itself as a neutral party, while at the same time offering Moscow a vital diplomatic and financial lifeline.
“We welcome countries and partners actively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to come to Beijing to discuss cooperation plans and seek common development,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said last month.
Source: CNA
