Leaders from emerging market countries have gathered in Beijing for a meeting marking the 10th anniversary of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Over a dozen leaders from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East arrived in the Chinese capital on October 16, with the likes of Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán already in attendance.
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The Belt and Road Initiative, a key policy of President Xi Jinping, involves Chinese companies undertaking infrastructure projects globally to enhance trade and economic growth. However, the projects have raised concerns, particularly regarding the heavy debts some countries have incurred.
A flurry of diplomatic activity is expected on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum, with its main events scheduled for Wednesday. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, for instance, met with Chinese President Xi and Premier Li Qiang. Kenyan President William Ruto aims to secure additional loans for stalled road projects and revise the terms of a Chinese loan for a non-commercially viable railway project.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is expected to attend the forum, emphasized the alignment of Russia's Greater Eurasia project with the Belt and Road Initiative. This suggests that the two nations are not necessarily competing for influence in Central Asia.
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Leaders who arrived on October 16, include Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Earlier Daryo reported that Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will undertake an important trip to Beijing from October 17-18. He has received an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the third international forum referred to as "One Place, One Road."
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