Xi says China to consider holding Belt & Road Forum next year

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that China would consider hosting the third Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2023.

The Chinese Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation initiative has been presented by Xi as the revival of the ancient Silk Road for trade between the East and West.

Prior to the imposition of a COVID travel ban in China, the earlier Belt & Road Forums were held in 2017 and 2019, and drew leaders and officials from dozens of countries. China has recently begun to ease its COVID restrictions with many analysts predicting more significant opening up starting in March or April.

Xi, who was speaking on Friday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in Bangkok, said China will consider holding the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation next year to provide fresh impetus for the development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific and the world.

In his speech titled “Shouldering Responsibility and Working Together in Solidarity to Build an Asia-Pacific Community with a Shared Future”, Xi said that “the Asia-Pacific is our home as well as the powerhouse of global economic growth.” and called on world leaders and officials to bear in mind a shared future and make the Asia-Pacific a region where all are ready to help each other.

The Chinese president emphasized the need to enhance economic and technical cooperation, noting that China aims to advance economic development in a coordinated way.