RASC News Agency: According to CNN news agency, The two-day global gathering, hailed as China’s “most significant diplomatic event” of the year, concluded in the Chinese capital on Wednesday. Beijing took the opportunity to highlight its prominent role in global development, offering an alternative vision to that of the United States. Bringing together two dozen leaders and over a hundred delegations, primarily from the Global South, the event comprised a bustling schedule of forums and bilateral meetings centered around Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s renowned Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This ambitious global infrastructure project has solidified China’s position as a major international force since its inception a decade ago.
The presence of Vladimir Putin, who was the guest of honor, added another dimension to the gathering, shedding light on Xi’s aspirations for a world that strays from the norms and values championed by liberal democracies. These norms have led to the marginalization of Putin in the international community due to his aggressive invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, the looming conflict in the Middle East, where Israel’s confrontation with Hamas militants poses the risk of escalating into a larger-scale dispute involving China, Russia, and the United States, cast a shadow over the event.
It is worth noting that the prominence of Putin and the potential for conflict in the Middle East were among the key takeaways from China’s Belt and Road Forum. By hosting this forum, China reaffirmed its position as a global leader, promoting its alternative vision while asserting its significance in shaping the future of global development and diplomacy.
The China Belt and Road Forum, held in Beijing on October 18, 2023, saw the attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. This two-day global gathering, considered China’s most significant diplomatic event of the year, concluded with Beijing asserting its influential position in global development and showcasing an alternative vision to that of the United States.
More than two dozen leaders and over a hundred delegations, predominantly from the Global South, convened for a tightly packed schedule of forums and bilateral meetings centered around Xi Jinping’s landmark Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Launched a decade ago, this global infrastructure initiative has solidified China’s stature as a major international player.
The gathering, with Vladimir Putin as the guest of honor, also provided insights into Xi’s vision of a world that deviates from the norms and values promoted by liberal democracies. These democracies have distanced themselves from Putin due to his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, where Israel’s confrontation with Hamas militants threatens broader entanglement involving China, Russia, and the US, loomed over the event.
The forum left no doubt as to who was regarded as the most important world leader by China’s Xi. During a grand reception banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi and Putin made a striking entrance, side by side, followed by other leaders and their spouses.
Putin had the privilege of delivering the opening remarks at the forum’s inaugural ceremony on Wednesday, displaying his close alignment with China. In subsequent bilateral meetings spanning three hours, Putin emphasized the shared “common threats” that bolster the collaboration between Russia and China. Before departing Beijing, Putin informed reporters that he and Xi had extensively discussed the “situation” in both the Middle East and Ukraine.
