BEIJING: Beijing announced on Wednesday( Oct 11) that China will keep its third Belt and Road community in its capital the following week, confirming the specifics of an event that many foreign leaders, including Vladimir Putin, are anticipated to go.
The event honoring the 10th anniversary of Beijing’s extensive infrastructure program will feature members from more than 130 nations.
According to foreign government spokesman Hua Chunying,” Chinese President Xi Jinping may enter the forum’s opening ceremony and give a key speech.”
She added that he will also” host a welcome dinner for foreign officials and heads of international organizations attending the website.”
Putin, the president of Russia, has stated that he will attend the event, making it his first trip to China since being exiled from the rest of the world as a result of his conflict in Ukraine.
China and Russia frequently tout their” no restrictions” partnership, economic and military assistance, and refer to one another as strategic allies.
Following the invasion of Ukraine, when the Kremlin sought to strengthen relationships with Beijing after becoming more and more shunned by the West, they grew even closer.
China has attempted to portray itself as a neutral party and has refused to denounce the battle, while simultaneously providing Moscow with an essential political and economic lifeline.
The top diplomat Sergei Lavrov will also speak with Chinese equivalent Wang Yi at the Belt and Road platform the following week, according to a statement from Moscow’s foreign ministry.
Another unusual ministry spokesman, Mao Ning, stated last month that” we welcome countries and partners actively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative to come to Beijing to explore assistance programs and find common creation.”